Anambra State Seals Over 200 Shops at Onitsha Bridge Head Market for Non-Compliance
The Onitsha South Local Government Area has sealed more than 200 shops at the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha following the traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive to end the Monday sit-at-home order.
The enforcement action took place during a compliance monitoring exercise on Monday, February 23, 2026, where authorities found six market lines completely devoid of commercial activity.
The operation was spearheaded by the Chairman of Onitsha South LGA, Emeka Orji, alongside the Council Secretary, Paul Onuachalla.
In a move to enforce the state’s economic recovery policy, the council leadership sealed the entrances to the affected lines and installed new padlocks.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Orji characterized the traders’ decision to remain closed as an act of economic sabotage, noting that while other markets in Onitsha had resumed normal operations, the Bridge Head Market traders chose to disrupt the state’s efforts to revive its Monday economy.
Authorities have warned that the consequences for the traders could extend beyond temporary closure. Emeka Orji indicated that the shops would remain sealed until the following Monday, with the threat of an indefinite closure if the directive is still ignored.
Furthermore, both Orji and Onuachalla confirmed that a full investigation is underway, and the government is currently reviewing the shop allocations. Under existing laws, the state retains the authority to revoke and reassign these shops to traders willing to comply with public interest directives.
Secretary Onuachalla further emphasized the legal gravity of the situation, suggesting that the refusal to open for business could be interpreted as aiding and abetting unlawful activities.
He noted that the council would not compromise on its stance, referencing previous enforcement actions at the Onitsha Main Market as a precedent. The state government remains firm in its resolve to eliminate the sit-at-home practice, which has historically hampered regional commerce and financial stability in Anambra.
