The Anambra State Government has announced that the Onitsha Main Market will reopen on Monday for full commercial activities, assuring traders and residents of adequate security.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo had ordered the one-week closure of the market after traders failed to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order. The decision followed an on-the-spot assessment of the market by the governor, accompanied by top government officials and security personnel.
Soludo had warned that the closure could be extended 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, said the one-week closure had elapsed and directed traders to resume normal business activities on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Mefor urged traders to disregard threats from non-state actors, assuring them of maximum security, and encouraged residents to report any security concerns through the emergency line, 5111.
He also reminded civil servants and teachers that the state’s pro-rata salary policy remains in effect, stressing that “no work on Monday means no pay.” Parents were further advised 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.”
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