The Anambra State government has shut down the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market in Nnewi over alleged compliance with the Monday sit-at-home directive linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The closure, ordered by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, comes about three weeks after the Onitsha Main Market reopened following a similar shutdown.
The directive was conveyed through the governor’s Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, who cited low trader turnout on Monday as the reason for the action.
Uba announced the closure alongside the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; the Special Adviser on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd); and Nnewi Mayor, Hon. Echezona Anazodo.
The shutdown took effect from midnight on Monday, February 23, 2026, and the market is scheduled to reopen on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Traders have been warned to stay away from the market until reopening to avoid confrontation with law enforcement agents. Authorities also warned that further closure could follow if compliance remains unsatisfactory.
Reacting to the decision, Senior Special Assistant to the governor, Dr. Ejiofor Opara, praised the move, reiterating the administration’s stance against the sit-at-home order.
He noted that the Monday sit-at-home was officially ended on April 4, 2022, after consultations between the state government and stakeholders.
Opara added that recent calls by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu should not compel traders and residents to comply with the directive.
According to him, the Soludo administration remains committed to ending criminal activities associated with the sit-at-home enforcement across the South-East.
Government officials say reopening markets on Mondays is vital for economic stability, public safety, and the protection of lives and property.
They also highlighted security interventions, including a stakeholder security summit, amnesty initiatives, and youth empowerment programmes such as the One Youth, Two Skills scheme.
Additionally, the state’s Solution Innovation District initiative aims to develop technology skills among young people and position Anambra as an innovation hub.
Authorities insist the enforcement measures are part of broader efforts to restore normal economic activity and dismantle criminal networks operating under the guise of sit-at-home enforcement.
