Anambra Govt Reopens Onitsha Main Market After One-Week Closure
The Anambra state government has announced the reopening of Onitsha Main Market on Monday, February 2, following a one-week shutdown.
Chukwuma Soludo, governor of the state, ordered the temporary closure after traders reportedly defied the government’s directive to disregard the longstanding Monday sit-at-home order imposed by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Soludo issued the directive during an on-the-spot visit to the market, accompanied by senior government officials and security operatives. He warned that continued non-compliance could result in an extended closure or stricter sanctions.
The shutdown drew a reaction from Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesperson, who announced a total lockdown across the south-east on February 2. He said the action was in solidarity with the traders and in protest against the market’s closure.
Powerful described the lockdown as voluntary and peaceful, urging schools, banks and other institutions to shut down for the day.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, Law Mefor, Anambra’s commissioner for information, confirmed that the one-week closure had elapsed over the weekend.
“This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lapses this weekend,” the statement read.
“Accordingly, all traders are hereby directed to resume business as usual on Monday, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra State.
“Ndị Anambra and residents are assured of adequate security and are encouraged to report any security concerns to 5111.
“Meanwhile, civil servants and teachers are reminded that the pro-rata salary system remains in force — no work on Monday, no pay.
“Parents are also advised to release their children for school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.”
The state government urged residents to ignore threats from non-state actors, reiterating its commitment to ensuring maximum security across Anambra.
