By Chimdiogo Amuh

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive to resume business activities on Mondays.

The governor issued the directive on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the market, accompanied by top government officials and aides. He warned that the shutdown could be extended if traders continue to defy the order, adding that security agencies have sealed the market to enforce compliance.

Soludo described the action as one of the most decisive steps taken so far in the ongoing effort to reclaim economic activities in the South-East, particularly against the backdrop of the persistent Monday sit-at-home.

According to the governor, despite repeated assurances of improved security and appeals for residents to return to normal life, many traders once again kept their shops locked, a situation he said reflected a lingering atmosphere of fear.

“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals deliberately undermine public safety and disregard official directives aimed at restoring normalcy. This is outright economic sabotage,” Soludo said.

“We will not allow this. The closure is a protective measure for law-abiding citizens.”

He further warned that if the market fails to reopen after the one-week closure, it would be sealed for an additional one month.

“You must decide whether you want to trade here or go elsewhere. I am very serious about this,” the governor added.

Monday’s development saw tight security around the market, with a joint task force of the police, army and other security agencies deployed to secure the area.

As the shutdown continues, attention now shifts to next Monday when the market is expected to reopen, a moment likely to determine whether traders will return en masse or sustain the resistance, with wider implications for economic activities in Anambra State.

The state government had earlier directed traders and businesses to maintain normal operations on Mondays as part of measures to stabilise the economy and end disruptions caused by recurring sit-at-home orders.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, had disclosed that from February 2026, civil servants’ salaries would be paid on a pro-rata basis, tied to attendance on Mondays, as part of renewed efforts to end the sit-at-home practice.

Mefor said the decision was taken during the end-of-tenure retreat of the Anambra State Executive Council held in Awka, ahead of the administration’s new term scheduled to commence on March 17, 2026.