Gov Soludo Orders 12 Markets to Open Mondays or Face Month-Long Shutdowns

By Linda Ike

Anambra State Government has directed traders in 12 additional markets to resume full operations on Mondays, threatening temporary closures for non-compliance after shutting Onitsha Main Market for one week over sit-at-home defiance.

The circular, signed by Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, targets Ochanja Central Market, Bridgehead market, Ogbaru Main market, Building Materials Ogidi, three Nnewi auto spare markets, Nkpor Main market and Auto Spare Parts, Old Mercedes Benz Nkpor, Old Motor Spare Parts Obosi, and Electrical Dealers International market Obosi.

He instructed that market leaders under Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) must notify traders immediately per Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s executive order ending Monday sit-at-home disruptions.

He said that random inspections will seal shut shops and close non-compliant markets for one month, with legal action possible.

A meeting with chairmen, secretaries, and zonal leaders, requested by market heads for Onitsha’s reopening will address compliance amid heightened security.