Governor Soludo Orders 10,000 Shops Marked for Demolition, Gives Traders 14 Days to Vacate Onitsha Main Market”
Onitsha, Anambra State – In a bold move aimed at enforcing market regulations, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has marked approximately 10,000 shops at Onitsha Main Market for demolition. Traders affected by the development have been given a 14-day notice to remove their goods and vacate the premises.
The action comes shortly after a government-ordered one-week closure of the market, following widespread observance of the controversial Monday sit-at-home order that disrupted business activities across the city. Governor Soludo has maintained that the sit-at-home practice has negatively affected commerce and the state’s economy, prompting decisive measures to restore normal market operations.
Traders expressed shock at the demolition marking, with many stating that the 14-day deadline is insufficient for relocating their businesses. Some traders also raised concerns about logistics, transport, and access to banking services, which may complicate the relocation process.
The governor’s directive underscores the administration’s commitment to regulating market spaces, ensuring orderly commerce, and curbing disruptions caused by non-state actors. Officials say that the demolition will pave the way for a more organized market, enhance safety, and improve accessibility for traders and customers alike.
Onitsha Main Market, being one of the largest commercial hubs in Southeastern Nigeria, plays a crucial role in the region’s economy. The enforcement of this demolition order is expected to have significant implications for thousands of traders and their families, highlighting the balancing act between regulatory compliance and economic livelihoods.
