The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate reopening of the Onitsha Main Market, directing traders to resume full commercial activities from Monday, February 2, 2026, as Governor Chukwuma Soludo declared an end to all forms of sit-at-home in the state.
The market, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, was shut last week after traders defied government directives to open for business on Mondays despite threats linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Soludo had ordered the temporary closure during an unscheduled inspection of the market, accompanied by senior government officials and security operatives, warning that persistent non-compliance would attract tougher sanctions, including prolonged shutdowns.
However, announcing the reopening in a statement on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the one-week closure had expired and normal economic life must resume.
“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 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.”
The commissioner assured residents of adequate security, urging them to ignore threats from non-state actors and to report any suspicious activity via the state’s emergency line, 5111.
The reopening comes amid heightened tension after IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, announced a total lockdown across the South-East in protest against the market closure, urging schools, banks and businesses to stay shut.
The Anambra Government dismissed the call, insisting that public safety had been strengthened across the state.
Mefor also reminded civil servants and teachers that the government’s pro-rata salary policy remains in force. “No work on Monday, no pay,” he said, adding that parents should ensure their children attend school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.
The state government reiterated its commitment to restoring normalcy, protecting livelihoods and sustaining economic growth, stressing that intimidation would no longer be allowed to cripple social and commercial activities in Anambra.
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