‘No Sit-at-Home Again’: Anambra Govt Orders Reopening of Onitsha Market

The Anambra State Government has directed the full reopening of Onitsha Main Market after the expiration of the closure order imposed earlier by the state authorities.

The government made it clear that commercial activities must resume immediately, marking an end to the sit-at-home restriction that affected trading on Mondays in the state.

Government Officials said the decision was taken to restore normal economic life and ease hardship faced by traders and residents.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the government confirmed that the market closure ended on Sunday and that traders are expected back at work from Monday.

The statement reads:
“This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr. Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR lapses this weekend.

“To that effect, all traders are hereby informed to resume business as usual on Monday, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra State.

“Ndị Anambra and residents are assured of adequate security and encouraged to report any security concerns to 5111.

“Meanwhile, civil servants and teachers are reminded that pro rata salary system remains in force: no work on Monday, no pay.

“Also, parents must release their children for school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.”

Government officials stressed that security agencies have been deployed across major markets and public areas in Onitsha to ensure a peaceful return to business activities. They said the state would not tolerate any action that disrupts economic life or intimidates traders.

The administration also warned that anyone found enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders would face the full weight of the law. Residents were urged to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

The reopening of the market is expected to boost commercial activity in Onitsha, which is one of the largest trading hubs in the South-East. Many traders had suffered losses during the closure, while transport and supply chains were also disrupted.

Recall, Politics Nigeria had earlier reported that the Anambra State Government shut down parts of Onitsha Main Market following security concerns and repeated violations of the ban on sit-at-home orders. The state government had insisted that the closure was a temporary measure to restore order and protect lives and property.

With the latest directive, the Soludo administration says the era of forced sit-at-home in Anambra is over and that Mondays will now return to normal work and school schedules across the state.