Anambra Government Seals Shops in Onitsha Markets Over Monday Closure, Commends Compliant Traders
The Anambra State Government has once again enforced its directive against Monday sit-at-home observances by sealing shops belonging to traders who failed to open for business across major markets in Onitsha and surrounding areas.
The enforcement exercise, carried out under the administration of Chukwuma Soludo, targeted markets where compliance with the state government’s directive to maintain regular business activities on Mondays remained low. Officials said the move was aimed at restoring normal economic activities and discouraging prolonged weekly disruptions affecting commerce across Anambra State.
According to reports, several affected shops were located at the Building Materials Market, Ogidi, where a significant number of traders did not open for business on Monday. State officials sealed shops found locked during the inspection, warning that the affected premises would remain closed for two weeks as a penalty for non-compliance.
The monitoring exercise was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Evarist Uba, who conducted routine inspections across key commercial hubs in Onitsha and nearby communities to assess traders’ adherence to the government’s directive. During the inspection, Uba also visited the Electrical Parts Dealers Market, Obosi, where compliance levels were significantly higher.
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Speaking during the monitoring tour, Uba commended traders at the Obosi electrical market, noting that approximately 80 percent of shops were open for business. He described the development as a positive shift from the extended weekly closures that have affected economic productivity in the region.
“The Obosi Electrical Parts Market is a major hub for electrical components in the Southeast, and it is encouraging to see a high level of activity,” Uba said. “The government is intentionally building a state that embraces productivity. We are impressed by the courage and patriotism demonstrated by traders who opened their shops and supported efforts to restore normalcy and economic growth.”
He further stated that traders who chose to operate on Monday demonstrated confidence in the government’s efforts to improve security and stabilize business operations across the state. According to him, the decision by many traders to open their shops reflects a commitment to rebuilding the state’s economy and supporting ongoing peace and security initiatives.
At the Building Materials Market in Ogidi, however, the situation differed markedly, as several shops remained under lock and key. Government officials proceeded to seal the closed shops, while commending traders who complied with the directive to open for business. Uba warned that continued non-compliance would attract stricter enforcement measures in the future.
Market leaders who accompanied the monitoring team expressed support for the state government’s actions. The Chairman of the Electrical Parts Dealers Association in Obosi, Chike Onunkwo, and the President of the International Building Materials Market in Ogidi, Chief Jude Nwankwo, both praised the government’s efforts to enhance security across commercial areas.
They noted that improved security conditions and government commitment to protecting traders and businesses should encourage market participants to resume normal operations. According to them, traders also have a responsibility to contribute to the recovery and growth of the state’s economy by maintaining regular business activities.
The monitoring team included the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (retd); and the Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime. The delegation also visited other markets in Onitsha and Nnewi to evaluate compliance levels and engage with traders on the importance of maintaining consistent commercial activities.
The Anambra State Government has maintained that restoring full economic activity on Mondays remains a key priority, emphasizing that sustained productivity and security are essential for the state’s long-term development.