The Anambra State Government has again sealed several shops belonging to traders in markets around Onitsha and neighbouring communities for failing to open for business on Monday.
Most of the affected shops were located at the Building Materials Market, Ogidi, where traders reportedly stayed away from their businesses despite the state’s directive.
However, the government commended traders at the Electrical Parts Dealers Market, Obosi, for complying with the directive and opening for business.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Evarist Uba, conducted a monitoring tour to assess compliance with the policy mandating markets to operate on Mondays.
During the visit, he observed significant commercial activity at the Obosi market, describing it as a welcome departure from prolonged weekly shutdowns that had affected economic activities in the state.
“The Obosi Electrical Parts Market is a key hub for electrical components in the Southeast, and I’m happy to see a significant level of activity,” he said.
Uba added that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo was committed to promoting productivity and restoring economic confidence.
“The government is intentionally building a state that embraces productivity. The government of Anambra State, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is highly impressed by the courage and patriotism displayed by the electrical parts dealers in Obosi, as 80 per cent of the market is open.
“Their decision to open their shops is a clear testament to their faith in the government’s efforts to restore peace and their commitment to the economic prosperity of the state,” he said.
At the Building Materials Market in Ogidi, officials sealed several shops found under lock and key.
Uba commended traders who complied with the directive but warned that defaulting shops would remain sealed for two weeks as a deterrent.
Market leaders who spoke during the inspection expressed support for the government’s enforcement.
The Chairman of the Electrical Parts Dealers Association, Obosi, Chike Onunkwo, and the President of the International Building Materials Market, Ogidi, Jude Nwankwo, praised improved security measures across the state.
They noted that the government had demonstrated commitment to stabilising the environment and urged traders to support efforts to rebuild the state’s economy.
The monitoring team included the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Ben Chiobi; and the Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime.
The officials also visited major markets in Onitsha, Nnewi and other commercial hubs to assess compliance with the directive as the state government intensifies efforts to sustain economic activities on Mondays.
