The Anambra State Government has ordered a one-week closure of the New Auto Spare Parts Association Market in Nkwo Nnewi, penalizing traders for failing to comply with directives aimed at ending the longstanding Monday sit-at-home practice that has disrupted economic activities.
The action targets persistent non-compliance among market operators, who kept their stalls closed despite repeated government appeals and assurances of enhanced security measures to encourage full resumption of business on Mondays.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo had explicitly ordered the abolition of the Monday sit-at-home tradition, which originated from separatist influences and has long hampered commercial vitality in the region.
The market shutdown was formally announced during an on-site inspection on Monday by a team of high-ranking officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, and the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor. The inspection revealed widespread disregard for the state’s push to normalize weekly trading routines.
“The Anambra State Government hereby informs the general public that the New Auto Spare Parts Association Market, Nkwo Nnewi, is closed for business. The closure takes effect from midnight today, Monday, February 23, 2026, and the market will reopen next Monday, March 2, 2026,” Uba stated.
“The closure follows low compliance with Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s order to end Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State. Traders and customers are advised to avoid the market until next Monday to prevent issues with law enforcement agents,” he added.
“The market may face further closure if compliance is not substantial by next Monday when it reopens,” he warned.
This measure follows a similar closure of Onitsha Main Market in late January, signaling the administration’s firm stance against economic disruptions attributed to adherence to proscribed group directives.
