The Anambra State Government has declared that Onitsha Main Market will reopen on Monday, resuming full commercial and economic activities, while assuring traders and residents of enhanced security measures.
It will be recalled that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had ordered the temporary closure of the market for one week after traders ignored the state’s directive to stop observing the Monday sit-at-home order.
The decision was announced during the governor’s visit to the market on Monday, where he conducted an on-the-spot inspection alongside senior government officials and security operatives.
Soludo had earlier cautioned that the shutdown could be prolonged if compliance was not achieved, noting that security agencies were deployed to seal the market and enforce the directive.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, announced that the one-week closure had elapsed and directed traders to resume normal business activities 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 emergency line, 5111.
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.”
