The Anambra State government has announced the reopening of Onitsha Main Market on Monday, February 2, for full commercial and economic activities.
Recall that the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, had ordered the shutdown of the market for one week after traders failed to comply with the state directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.
Soludo issued the order during an on-the-spot assessment of the market, accompanied by senior government officials and security personnel. The governor warned that the closure could be extended if traders continued to disobey the directive.
Subsequently, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) announced a total lockdown of the south-east on January 2.
Emma Powerful, the IPOB spokesperson, said the sit-at-home directive was in protest against the closure of the Onitsha Main Market by Soludo.
He added that the protest would be voluntary and urged schools, banks, and other institutions to remain closed.
However, in a statement on Sunday, Law Mefor, the state commissioner for information, said that the one-week closure had elapsed.
The state government also directed traders to return to normal business activities from Monday.
The commissioner urged residents to ignore threats from non-state actors, assuring them of maximum security across the state.
According to Mefor “This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lapses this weekend,” the statement read.
“Accordingly, all traders are hereby directed to resume business as usual on Monday, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra State.
“Ndị Anambra and residents are assured of adequate security and are encouraged to report any security concerns to 5111.
“Meanwhile, civil servants and teachers are reminded that the pro-rata salary system remains in force — no work on Monday, no pay.
“Parents are also advised to release their children for school on Mondays to avoid sanctions,” he said.
