Anambra Governor Soludo Lifts Nkwo Nnewi Market Closure, Shuts Ihiala Market Due to Non-Compliance

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has officially reopened the Nkwo Nnewi market, commonly known as the New Motorcycle Spare Parts Market, after a week-long closure owing to violations of the state government's directive that eliminated the Monday sit-at-home order.

The market was initially shut down the previous Monday by the governor's Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Hon. Evaristus Uba, who noted during an inspection that there was a significantly low turnout of traders. This indicated a disregard for the government's efforts to eliminate the sit-at- home habit.

Uba had cautioned traders that another week of inactivity would result in an extended closure of the market.

Nevertheless, the closure was lifted on Monday following a visit by Hon. Echezona Anazodo, the Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, who observed a notable compliance from traders in the area.

“I am pleased to see that traders adhered to the directive to reopen for business today. I believe if there had been just half of this attendance last week, we would not have had to close the market,” Anazodo remarked.

He went on to explain that authorities would now concentrate on sealing the shops of traders who refused to open rather than shutting down the whole market.

“We don't want an entire market closure because of a few non-compliant traders. Those who do not open should face the consequences personally,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Ihiala market in the Ihiala Local Government Area has been closed due to accusations of not adhering to the state's sit-at-home directive. Sources indicated that government officials discovered the market locked during a visit, resulting in its suspension for a week.

Ihiala has previously been a hotspot for separatist agitation in Anambra, especially during a time of heightened unrest related to Biafra. It was reported that various camps were set up in the region by individuals masquerading as activists, making commercial operations particularly hazardous on Mondays.

The Anambra State government reiterates the need for a return to regular economic and social activities throughout the state, warning that strict penalties will be enforced against markets and institutions that do not comply.