The Anambra State government has directed traders in 12 additional markets to resume business on Mondays or face temporary closure.
The markets include Ochanja Central Market, Bridgehead Market, Ogbaru Main Market, Building Materials Market Ogidi, Agba-Edo Auto Spare Parts Market Nnewi, New Auto and Motorcycle Spare Parts Market Nnewi, Fairly Used Motorcycle Spare Parts Market Nnewi, New Auto Spare Parts Market Nkpor, Nkpor Main Market, Old Mercedes Benz Spare Parts Dealers Market Nkpor, Old Motor Spare Parts Market Obosi, and Electrical Dealers International Market, Obosi.
This follows the closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week due to traders’ refusal to open on Mondays, disrupting economic activities.
The announcement, titled “Abolishment of Monday Sit-at-Home,” was contained in a circular signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba.
It was addressed to leaders of major markets under the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).
Market chairmen were instructed to notify traders to open for business on Mondays in compliance with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s executive order aimed at restoring normal economic activity in the state.
Government monitoring teams will conduct random inspections, and non-compliant markets may face one-month closure.
Traders are warned that shops not open on Mondays will be sealed, and occupants may face legal action.
Meanwhile, governor Charles Soludo has called a meeting with market leaders on Jan 29 to discuss the Monday sit-at-home policy and market operations.
Security will be heightened during the meeting to prevent disruption.
