Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has directed that the Onitsha Main Market be shut for one week following the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home by traders.
Gatekeepers News reports that the order was issued on Monday when the Governor carried out an unannounced visit to the market and discovered that a large number of shops remained closed.
He warned that the shutdown would be extended to one month if traders fail to resume full business activities by the following Monday.
“We are going to cordon this whole place off for the first one week. If we come on Monday and it’s locked, we are going to lock the market for one month,” Soludo said.
The Governor stressed that anyone who intends to do business in the state must follow government directives, adding that markets are expected to operate from Monday to Friday.
“If you want to do business, you come; if not, you can go home. Anambra is open to everybody, but if you must trade here, you must abide by the rules,” he said.
The action follows recent measures announced by the Anambra State Government to address the sit-at-home practice, including plans to deduct the salaries of civil servants who stay away from work on Mondays.
The government has repeatedly stated that current security conditions do not justify the continued shutdown of offices, schools, and businesses at the start of the week, warning that defaulters would face penalties.
Officials say the enforcement steps are part of broader efforts to revive economic activities, protect livelihoods, and restore normal public life across the state, especially in major commercial centres like Onitsha.
