Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, has directed the immediate closure of the Onitsha Main Market and surrounding markets for one week in a renewed effort to enforce compliance with the state’s ban on the Monday sit-at-home practice.
The governor announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the market, where he addressed traders and market leaders.
He warned that the closure could be extended beyond one week if traders fail to fully reopen their shops at the end of the initial period.
According to him, the government would conduct routine inspections every Monday, and any shop found closed would face additional sanctions.
Governor Soludo described the continued observance of the sit-at-home order as a deliberate act of economic sabotage that threatens public order and undermines lawful commerce.
He stressed that the state government would no longer tolerate actions that disrupt economic activities or instil fear among residents.
He said the temporary shutdown was intended to send a clear message, protect traders who are willing to operate legally, and reinforce the authority of the state.
The governor noted that allowing a small group to dictate when markets open or close was unacceptable and harmful to the state’s economy.
Soludo expressed concern that while government offices, markets and businesses in other parts of Anambra State were functioning normally, Onitsha Main Market continued to defy official directives.
He reminded traders that compliance with the law was not optional, warning that anyone unwilling to operate within the rules should consider relocating their business elsewhere.
Following the announcement, security operatives, including police officers and soldiers, were deployed to the area to seal the market entrances and ensure full enforcement of the directive.
The Monday sit-at-home practice, enforced by non-state actors across parts of the South-East, has persisted for nearly four years, disrupting commercial, educational and social activities.
The Anambra State Government has repeatedly condemned the practice, describing it as illegal and destructive to the region’s economic stability.
Since taking office, Governor Soludo has made ending the sit-at-home a key priority.
In 2022, his administration formally declared the practice over, introduced amnesty programmes for youths in hiding, and established peace and reconciliation mechanisms to restore normalcy.
Despite these measures and claims of improved security, some traders and residents have continued to stay away from work due to lingering fears.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring confidence in public safety and reviving economic activities across the state, assuring residents that the government would continue to act decisively to protect lawful businesses and livelihoods.
