By Eteteonline
As of Jan 30, 2026, the market closure was still in effect. Governor Soludo has reaffirmed the one-week shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market after traders continued to violate his command to open on Mondays, opposing the long-standing sit-at-home custom.
Traders have agreed to resume activities on Mondays. In accordance with Soludo’s strategy, market leaders at Onitsha Main Market and others have promised to stop the Monday sit-at-home and start up full business on Mondays.
They requested for increased security presence so that consumers and traders feel safe returning to trade.
The governor held an interactive session with market leaders, urging all markets and stores to operate on every weekday, including Mondays.
He also provided ideas for redeveloping or renovating the market infrastructure to help modernise the Onitsha Main Market.
Traders from nearby Ebonyi State operating in Anambra expressed support for Soludo’s position, encouraging peace and compliance with government policies.
A federal legislator encouraged Soludo to take care and consider reopening the market to prevent misery and economic losses.
A significant socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has also urged the governor to reopen the market in favor of a peaceful conclusion.
Soludo’s program is intended at eradicating the weekly sit-at-home, which has historically damaged traders’ incomes and the state’s economy.
His stance represents a push for normalisation of commercial activities even in the face of traditional sit-at-home observances, which he and many executives consider an antiquated or coercive practice.
A fundamental need from traders is assurance of continued security – without this, many remain wary about fully opening on Mondays despite their vow.
Soludo has threatened to take additional action (such as extended closures or fines) if markets do not comply after the current sanction period passes, although it has not yet removed the one-week closure.
Traders have agreed to restart Monday trade and back the governor’s position. Until he observes that his directive to stop sit-at-home activities is being followed, Soludo is adamant about the closure. There is continuing collaboration between the government and market leaders to establish a workable solution. Some politicians and community groups are appealing for prudence and discussion to prevent additional conflicts.
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