Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ continued defiance of the state government’s directive against the Monday sit-at-home order. This announcement was shared by the governor on Monday, January 26, 2026 across all media platforms.
“Today, I have ordered the shut down of the Onitsha Main Market for one week due to the protracted economic sabotage cloaked as “Monday sit-at-home”. Going forward, this order would apply to any other market in Anambra that shuts down on Monday.”
“This action is not taken lightly, as I am determined to protect the economic interests of our state and its people. No individual or group has the right to halt the lives and livelihood of the people. “
The shutdown, which takes immediate effect, was announced as part of measures to enforce compliance with government instructions aimed at restoring normal economic and social activities across the state.
Traders at the popular commercial hub reportedly failed to open for business on Monday, despite repeated warnings from the Soludo administration to ignore the sit-at-home order imposed by non-state actors. The government has consistently maintained that the directive is illegal and detrimental to the region’s economy.
Governor Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if compliance is not achieved. According to him, failure to reopen the market after the one-week shutdown would result in a longer closure, potentially lasting one month, with further sanctions to follow if necessary.
He described the action as a necessary step to protect law-abiding citizens and reassert the authority of the state, stressing that the government would not tolerate actions that undermine public safety and economic stability.
Following the directive, security personnel, including police and military operatives, were deployed to seal off the market and enforce compliance.
” I urge all traders and market stakeholders to disregard this call to economic sabotage and resume business as usual. Let us work together to build a prosperous Anambra.”
The sit-at-home order has for years disrupted commercial activities across parts of the South-East, leading to significant economic losses and heightened security concerns. The Anambra State Government has repeatedly urged residents and traders to resume normal activities without fear, assuring them of adequate security.