Soludo orders one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market after traders ignore Monday sit-at-home, warns of longer shutdown if noncompliant

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ continued refusal to comply with the state government’s directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.

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The directive was issued on Monday during the governor’s on-site visit to the market, accompanied by aides and government officials.

Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if traders fail to reopen, adding that security agencies have sealed the market to enforce compliance.

“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage,” he said.

The governor described the closure as a protective measure for law-abiding citizens and stated that if the market fails to reopen after the one-week shutdown, it could be sealed for a month.

“You either decide that you are going to trade here or you go elsewhere. I am very serious about this,” Soludo added.

Security presence at the market was marked by tense enforcement, with a joint task force of police, army, and other agencies securing the perimeter.

The closure highlights the broader struggle in the South-East to abolish the Monday sit-at-home and restore consistent economic activity.

Attention will now focus on next Monday, when the market is scheduled to reopen, as traders’ response may determine the rhythm of economic life in Anambra State on Mondays.

In a related development, the state government announced plans to implement pro-rata salary payments for civil servants starting February 2026, based on Monday attendance.

State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, stated that the measure was part of efforts to discourage the Monday sit-at-home and enhance economic stability.