Soludo shuts down spare parts market over continued compliance with sit-at-home order
The Anambra state government on Monday, announced the shutdown of the popular Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkwo.
The spare parts market was closed for one week following traders’ continued adherence to the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Recall that the state Governor, Charles Soludo had earlier closed the Onitsha main market following traders’ adherence to the sit-at-home order by the proscribed IPOB leadership.
Soludo who had announced an end to the consistent closure of shops on Mondays said traders across the state were sabotaging Anambra’s economy.
According to him, the markets in the state would be shut down for one week should its traders fail to open their shops on Mondays.
Weeks after the governor’s directive, officials of the state conducting a monitoring exercise discovered that traders within the Nkwo Auto Market failed to heed the order.
Led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Evarist Uba, the traders were handed the directive for the closure.
Uba who was accompanied by Law Mefor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security; AVM Ben Chiobi(Rtd) and the Chairman, Nnewi Local Government Area, Echezona Anazodo said the market may face further sanctions if compliance is not substantial by next Monday, when the market reopens.
According to Uba, many traders have continued to adhere to the Monday sit-at-home despite repeated warnings and assurances of enhanced security and appeals to reclaim public spaces.
He said, “The Anambra State Government hereby informs the general public that the New Auto Spare Parts Association Market, Nkwo Nnewi, is closed for business.
“The market, whose date of closure is effective from midnight today, Monday, February 23, 2026, will reopen next Monday, March 2, 2026.
“The closure of the market followed low compliance with the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s order to end Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State,” Uba said.
He further advised the traders and their prospective customers to avoid the market area until next Monday when it will be opened by the government.
