The Anambra State government has ordered traders in twelve additional markets to operate normally on Mondays, warning that failure to comply could lead to temporary market closures.
BELLNEWS reports that the move comes after the state shut down Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ refusal to open on Mondays, which the government said disrupted business activities.
Story continues below advertisement
The markets now required to open 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.
A circular titled “Abolishment of Monday Sit-at-Home,” signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, instructed market leaders to inform traders to resume full business on Mondays as directed by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
The government will carry out random inspections, and markets that fail to follow the order may be closed for up to one month.
Shops that remain closed risk being sealed, and owners may face legal consequences.
Governor Soludo has scheduled a meeting with market leaders for Thursday, January 29, at the International Convention Centre in Awka to discuss market operations and the Monday sit-at-home order.
Chairmen, secretaries, zonal leaders, and line chairpersons from markets across the state are expected to attend.
The government said the meeting was requested by some market leaders seeking the reopening of Onitsha Main Market, not as a reaction to traders’ protest earlier this week.
Security will be increased during the meeting to ensure it runs without disruption.