Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has marked about 10,000 shops for demolition at the Onitsha Main Market, following the resumption of business activities on Monday after a one-week shutdown.
The action came amid efforts by the state government to end the long-running Monday sit-at-home that has disrupted economic activities in the South-East for over five years.
Governor Soludo had earlier ordered the closure of the market after traders refused to open their shops on Monday, January 26, 2026, in compliance with a sit-at-home directive linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Although IPOB authorities later disowned the sit-at-home order, traders reopened their shops on Monday as security agencies assured residents of safety across the state.
While on a visit to the market, Soludo walked through major trading areas, including Ose Market, Lagos Line, and Emeka Offor Plaza, where he interacted with traders and purchased goods to demonstrate government support.
The governor said the marking of shops was part of plans to reorganise and redevelop the market, insisting that traders must comply with government regulations and operate fully on Mondays.
However, the decision sparked concern among traders, many of whom appealed to the governor to reconsider the 14-day ultimatum given for relocation.
Some traders warned that demolishing over 10,000 shops could affect more than 50,000 families, urging the government to provide more time and most importantly, alternative locations.
They also called on the state government to ensure adequate security, improve transportation, and compel banks around the market to open on Mondays to support full commercial activities.
Despite the tension, business activities resumed in parts of the market, marking a sharp contrast to previous years when Monday sit-at-home orders kept the area largely deserted.
The state government has maintained that restoring Monday trading is critical to reviving Anambra’s economy and ending fear-driven shutdowns.
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