By Abiola Olawale
Normalcy has returned to the Onitsha Main Market as traders officially reopened their shops today, Monday, February 2, 2026.
This follows a tense week-long closure ordered by the Anambra State Government after a standoff regarding the persistent “Monday sit-at-home” observance.
The faceoff began last Monday when Governor Soludo ordered the immediate closure of West Africa’s largest market. The Governor’s move was a punitive measure against traders who continued to observe the Monday sit-at-home order initiated by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), despite government assurances of security.
Soludo characterized the continued compliance as “economic sabotage,” citing losses of approximately ₦8 billion per week to the state’s economy.
“Leadership requires taking inconvenient steps to secure the future. The closure was a corrective measure to reclaim the soul of Anambra’s economy,” Soludo stated during a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka over the weekend.
The resolution to reopen was reached following intensive dialogue between the state government and market leaders, including the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Mr. Chijioke Okpalugo.
A visit to the market revealed that many traders were back as early as 8:45 a.m., setting up wares from Egerton to Ose Foodstuff Market and The Young Park, a major entrance to the Main Market. Observers noted that areas including Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine were active, with customers beginning to patronize shops.
