The Anambra State Government has sealed several shops in markets around Onitsha for failing to open for business on Monday, reinforcing its directive aimed at restoring full economic activity across the state.
Most of the affected shops were located at the Building Materials Market, Ogidi, where many traders did not operate as required. Authorities said the closures would remain in place for two weeks as a warning to defaulters.
During a monitoring exercise, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Markets, Evarist Uba, inspected compliance levels and expressed satisfaction with traders at the Electrical Parts Dealers Market, Obosi, where a large number of shops were open. He described the response there as a positive shift from the long standing Monday shutdowns that had slowed commercial activities.
Uba noted that the Obosi market plays a major role in supplying electrical components within the Southeast and praised traders who resumed operations, saying their participation reflects confidence in the government’s security and economic recovery efforts.
The policy is part of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, which has repeatedly called for consistent business activity to rebuild the state’s economy and discourage practices that disrupt trade.
Market leaders also voiced support for the enforcement, urging traders to cooperate with authorities to sustain improved security and economic stability. Monitoring teams extended visits to other commercial centres, including Nnewi, to ensure wider compliance with the directive.
