The Anambra State Government has ordered the closure of the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market in Nkwo Nnewi for one week, starting from midnight on February 23, 2026, to enforce compliance with the state directive ending the Monday sit-at-home.
The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the market would reopen on March 2, 2026.
Traders and customers were advised to avoid the market until it resumes operations to avoid enforcement issues.
The closure followed low compliance with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s order to end Monday sit-at-home activities.
The directive was delivered by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, alongside officials including the Commissioner for Information and the Special Adviser on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd), and Nnewi Mayor, Echezona Anazodo.
Parts of Anambra State have observed a Monday sit-at-home for years, disrupting commerce, education, and social activities.
The practice, imposed by non-state actors in the South-East, has faced widespread criticism for hurting the economy.
In April 2022, Soludo officially declared the sit-at-home over, granting amnesty to youths in hideouts and establishing a peace and reconciliation committee.
Earlier in January 2026, Soludo ordered the temporary shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market and adjoining markets to enforce compliance.
He warned that persistent economic sabotage would not be tolerated, emphasizing that errant shops could face a week-long closure if they failed to open.
The government has stressed that further market closures may occur if traders fail to comply with directives when the NASPA Market reopens.
