Soludo Shuts Onitsha Main Market Over Monday Sit-at-Home

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of Onitsha Main Market and announced a tougher crackdown on traders and groups he accused of hurting the state’s economy through the continued “Monday sit-at-home” practice.

In a government statement, the Anambra State Government described the weekly shutdown as “protracted economic sabotage,” and said it would take action against anyone who supports it, directly or indirectly. The government’s position is that regular market closures on Mondays are damaging businesses, reducing income for traders, and slowing economic activity across the state.

The state’s directive includes an initial one-week shutdown of Onitsha Main Market. Officials said the first announcement will last for one week, but warned that the closure could be extended if compliance does not improve. According to the statement, if the market is not open by the next Monday, the shutdown will be extended to one month.

The move comes amid ongoing pressure from the state government for residents to return to normal economic life on Mondays. Authorities have also issued a stern warning to public sector workers, saying anyone who fails to report for work on Mondays will lose their pay. Despite this warning, many schools and offices reportedly remained closed, showing that the sit-at-home practice is still affecting daily life in parts of the state.

The shutdown of a major commercial hub like Onitsha Main Market is expected to have immediate effects on traders, transporters, suppliers, and customers who depend on the market for daily income and essential goods. It also sends a strong signal that the government plans to use enforcement measures, not just public appeals, to restore normal business activities.