The Anambra State Government has announced the reopening of Onitsha Main Market on Monday, February 2, for full economic and commercial activities, assuring traders and residents of adequate security.
The development follows a one-week closure ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo after traders failed to comply with the state’s directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order. The governor had warned that the closure could be extended if compliance was not achieved and deployed security agencies to seal the market.
In a statement on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the one-week closure had elapsed and directed traders to resume normal business activities. He urged traders to ignore threats from non-state actors and assured them of maximum security. Residents were encouraged to report any security concerns via the state emergency line, 5111.
Mefor also reminded civil servants and teachers that the state’s pro-rata salary policy remains in effect, emphasizing that “no work on Monday means no pay.” Parents were similarly urged to ensure their children attend school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.
The statement reads 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. Ndi 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.”
Governor Soludo had visited the market earlier during the week with top government officials and security personnel to assess compliance with the sit-at-home directive.
The reopening of Onitsha Main Market is expected to restore normal commercial activity and confidence among traders and residents in the state’s largest trading hub.
