Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has ordered traders in Onitsha Main Market to vacate their shops within 14 days after the state government marked more than 10,000 structures for demolition. The directive has triggered anxiety across the market, coming barely days after the governor shut the market for one week over continued observance of the Monday sit at home despite repeated government instructions abolishing the practice.
Soludo issued the demolition notice during an unannounced visit, where he observed that many shops were still closed in defiance of the state’s directive. He had warned that no trader would be allowed to keep a shop closed on Mondays and insisted that businesses must open from Monday to Saturday. He said persistent shutdowns undermine economic stability and public order.
Although traders partially complied with the reopening order, many arrived at the market to find their shops marked for demolition. They complained that the 14 day notice is too short and impossible to meet. Clothing trader Uzochukwu Joseph Okoye said most shops were painted with evacuation notices early Monday morning. He added that traders are willing to resume full Monday operations but face challenges such as transportation shortages and banks that remain closed.
Okoye argued that the affected shops were built with government approval and that traders have paid taxes for years. He said marking over 10,000 shops for demolition threatens the livelihoods of about 50,000 families and has already caused medical emergencies among distressed traders. He appealed to Soludo to give traders at least one year to relocate or adjust, noting that the market is already congested and alternative spaces are scarce.
He urged the governor to focus first on ensuring transport services, bank operations and security on Mondays to help restore full commercial activity. Traders said they are ready to comply with government orders but need more time to reorganise their businesses and secure new locations.
