The Anambra State Government has announced the reopening of Onitsha Main Market for full commercial activities on Monday, February 2, following a temporary one-week closure.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo had ordered the shutdown after traders defied the state’s directive to observe the longstanding Monday sit-at-home order promoted by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Soludo issued the closure directive during a visit to the market, accompanied by senior officials and security personnel, warning that further non-compliance could result in longer closures or stricter measures.
In response, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful declared a total lockdown across the South-East on February 2 in solidarity with traders and as a protest against the market closure. Powerful described the action as voluntary and peaceful, urging schools, banks, and other institutions to remain closed.
Confirming the reopening, Law Mefor, Anambra Commissioner for Information, stated on Sunday that the one-week closure had expired over the weekend.
“This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lapses this weekend,” Mefor said. “All traders are hereby directed to resume business as usual on Monday, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any sit-at-home directive in effect in Anambra State.”
The government assured residents of adequate security and encouraged reporting of any concerns via 5111. Civil servants and teachers were reminded that the pro-rata salary system remains in force — no work on Monday means no pay. Parents were advised to send children to school to avoid sanctions.
Authorities urged the public to disregard threats from non-state actors, reiterating the state’s commitment to maintaining security across Anambra.
