The Anambra State government has directed traders in 12 additional markets in the state to resume full business operations on Mondays.
This new directive follows the government’s earlier action on Tuesday, when Onitsha Main Market was shut down for one week due to traders’ refusal to open on Mondays.
The government described this as a disruption of economic activities.
The newly affected markets include Ochanja Central Market, Bridgehead Market, Ogbaru Main Market, Building Materials Market Ogidi, Agba-Edo Auto Spare Parts Market Nnewi, New Auto and Motorcycle Spare Parts Market Nnewi and Fairly Used Motorcycle Spare Parts Market Nnewi.
Others include new Auto Spare Parts Market Nkpor, Nkpor Main Market, Old Mercedes Benz Spare Parts Dealers Market Nkpor, Old Motor Spare Parts Market Obosi and Electrical Dealers International Market Obosi.
The announcement was made in a circular signed by the special adviser to the governor on trade and markets, Chief Evarist Uba.
The circular was addressed to leaders of major markets under the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).
“Market chairpersons have been instructed to inform traders that they must open for business on Mondays in line with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s executive order, aimed at restoring normal economic activity in the state. Government monitoring teams will carry out random inspections, and markets found not complying could face a one-month closure.
“Any shop that is not open will be sealed by government officials, and the occupant may face legal action. Any market found not complying will be closed for one month,” the circular warned.
In a related development, Governor Soludo has scheduled a meeting with market leaders on Thursday, January 29, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka to discuss the Monday sit-at-home policy and market operations.
The meeting will include market chairmen, secretaries, zonal leaders, and line chairpersons from across the state.
The government clarified that the meeting was in response to a request from market leaders who were seeking the reopening of Onitsha Main Market, and was not a reaction to the traders’ protest on Tuesday.
A government source also stated that security will be heightened during the meeting to prevent any disruptions.