The Anambra State government has ordered traders in 12 additional markets to resume full business activities on Mondays, warning that non-compliance could lead to temporary market closures.
The directive follows the state’s earlier action on Tuesday, when Onitsha Main Market was closed for one week due to traders’ refusal to open on Mondays, a move the government said disrupted economic activities.
The newly affected markets include Ochanja Central Market, Bridgehead Market, Ogbaru Main Market, Building Materials Market Ogidi, Agba-Edo Auto Spare Parts Market Nnewi, New Auto and Motorcycle Spare Parts Market Nnewi, Fairly Used Motorcycle Spare Parts Market Nnewi, New Auto Spare Parts Market Nkpor, Nkpor Main Market, Old Mercedes Benz Spare Parts Dealers Market Nkpor, Old Motor Spare Parts Market Obosi, and Electrical Dealers International Market Obosi.
The announcement, titled “Abolishment of Monday Sit-at-Home,” was issued in a circular signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, and addressed to leaders of major markets under the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).
Market chairmen were instructed to ensure traders comply with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s executive order aimed at restoring normal economic activity. Government monitoring teams will conduct random inspections, with non-compliant markets facing temporary closure of up to one month. “Any shop that is not open will be sealed by government officials, and the occupant may face legal action,” the circular stated.
Governor Soludo has scheduled a meeting with market leaders on Thursday, January 29, at the International Convention Centre in Awka to discuss the Monday sit-at-home policy. The meeting will include chairmen, secretaries, zonal leaders, and line chairpersons from markets across the state, with heightened security to prevent disruptions.
The government noted that the meeting was requested by some market leaders seeking the reopening of Onitsha Main Market, not as a response to protests.
Wait, why just Mondays? What about other days to boost business? Anambra should rethink this strategy.
I think its great that Anambra is encouraging more trading on Mondays. More business means more opportunities for everyone!
This decision to open markets on Mondays in Anambra could boost the economy or strain traders. Whats your take?
Why not let the traders decide when to open? Its their business after all. Freedom over mandates!
Why only Mondays? Traders should have more flexibility in choosing their opening days. What about weekends?
Why not let traders decide their own opening days? Government shouldnt dictate business operations. Flexibility is key!
Why Mondays? Why not weekends or mid-week? Would love to see the reasoning behind this decision. Seems arbitrary.
I dont get why theyre making traders work on Mondays. Let people have a break! Whats next, working on Sundays too?
I dont get why theyre forcing traders to open on Mondays. Let them rest! Whats next, working on Sundays too?
I dont get why theyre making traders open on Mondays. Let people have their weekend, man. Its unnecessary stress.