Dare Babalola
The Anambra State Government has announced that Onitsha Main Market will reopen on Monday for full economic and commercial activities, with assurances of adequate security measures in place for traders and residents.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo last Monday ordered the market’s closure for one week after traders failed to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home call.
The governor issued the directive during an on-site visit to the market, accompanied by senior government officials and security personnel.
Soludo had warned that the closure could be extended if traders didn’t comply, saying security agencies were deployed to seal the market and enforce the order.
Giving an update in a statement issued Sunday, Information Commissioner Law Mefor announced that the one-week closure had ended and traders were directed to resume business as usual on Monday.
Mefor urged traders to ignore threats from non-state actors, assuring them of maximum security, and encouraged residents to report any security concerns via the 5111 emergency line.
He also reminded civil servants and teachers that the state’s pro-rata salary policy remained in force, stressing that “no work on Monday means no pay.”
The commissioner further warned parents to ensure their children attend school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.
The statement read in part, “This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lapses this weekend.
“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.”
