Soludo reopens Onitsha Main Market, orders traders back to work Monday

The Anambra State Government has directed traders to resume full commercial activities at the Onitsha Main Market on Monday, assuring residents and business owners of adequate security.

The directive follows the expiration of the one-week closure ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo after traders failed to comply with the state government’s instruction to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.

Soludo had announced the closure during an on-the-spot assessment of the market last Monday, accompanied by top government officials and security operatives. He warned that the shutdown could be extended if traders continued to defy the directive, as security agencies were deployed to enforce compliance.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, confirmed that the closure period had ended and instructed traders to reopen their shops on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Mefor urged traders and residents to ignore threats from non-state actors, assuring them that security had been strengthened across the area. He also encouraged the public to report any security concerns through the state’s emergency line, 5111.

The commissioner reiterated that the pro-rata salary policy for civil servants and teachers remained in effect, stressing that “no work on Monday means no pay.” He also warned parents to ensure their children attend school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.

“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 in part.

“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.”