On Monday, commercial and economic activities were brought to a standstill across major markets in the commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia in Anambra State. Traders remained hesitant to open their shops, defying a recent directive by Governor Chukwuma Soludo aimed at ending the sit-at-home practice in the state.
Key markets such as the Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market experienced low turnout, with most shops remaining locked. This shutdown also affected motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices, and law courts across the region.
This came despite Governor Soludo’s visit to Onitsha Main Market last week, where he issued a stern warning that any business or shop that stayed closed on Mondays would face sanctions. The governor lamented the economic losses in the South-East due to the Monday sit-at-home, estimating that the region loses N19.6 billion every Monday as a result of the continued closure.
During his visit, Soludo declared:
“I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business. If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. When you are ready to open, it must be from Monday through Saturday.”
He assured traders that there would be a security presence around the markets, promising patrols by policemen and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to maintain law and order.
However, as of Monday, the governor had yet to return to the markets as promised. In his absence, NSCDC personnel were seen patrolling some markets and surrounding areas, conducting “anti-sit-at-home operations” while encouraging traders to resume their activities.
Despite the security patrols, many traders remained fearful. A textile trader at the Onitsha Main Market, Udoka, expressed concerns:
“Some of us came around to observe the situation. The presence of the NSCDC officers is encouraging. If they can continue, it will be good. Most people are afraid of opening their shops for fear of being attacked. Those that came to the market today are those selling by the roadside.”
The sit-at-home order was originally introduced in August 2021 by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to pressure the Federal Government into releasing their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Although IPOB officially suspended the sit-at-home except on days when Kanu is scheduled to appear in court, many residents and traders continue to observe it out of fear of attacks.
Governor Soludo’s efforts to reopen the markets face significant challenges as traders remain wary of the ongoing threat to their safety despite promises of security. The situation highlights the delicate balance between economic recovery and security in the region.
