Soludo Ends Monday Sit‑At‑Home As Onitsha Main Market

Soludo Ends Monday Sit‑At‑Home as Onitsha Main Market Fully Reopens Traders Resume Business After Five Years of Disruption
Trade and commercial activity returned to Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State after Governor Chukwuma Soludo declared an end to the long‑standing Monday sit‑at‑home order, breaking years of economic paralysis.

1. Historic Reopening of Onitsha Main Market
   After prolonged suspensions of the Monday sit‑at‑home observance, traders at the iconic Onitsha Main Market resumed business on Monday, opening shops and engaging in normal commerce a first in about five years.
2. Soludo Ends Sit‑At‑Home Practice
   Governor Soludo officially declared the Monday sit‑at‑home culture over in the state, describing the reopening as a historic achievement. He toured the market, interacted with traders, and personally shopped to signal confidence in the return to normalcy.
3. Security Bolsters Confidence
   Heightened security presence including police and military patrols was visible across the market and surrounding areas, reassuring traders and customers and deterring intimidation or threats.
4. Trader Reactions
   Many traders expressed relief and gratitude for the renewed opportunity to trade on Mondays, noting the economic losses incurred from years of enforced inactivity. Some markets recorded early and steady attendance as confidence returned.
5. Broader Support and Encouragement
   Groups like the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) praised both the traders and the governor for taking bold steps toward reviving economic life in the South‑East region.
   The sit‑at‑home practice, widely observed in parts of the South‑East for about four to five years, was linked to weekly protest directives originally tied to demands for the release of certain detained leaders. Many saw it as a major drag on economic productivity. In response to continued compliance by traders with the sit‑at‑home calls, Soludo had ordered the Onitsha Main Market shut for one week, warning that persistent defiance would lead to longer closures. The shutdown was part of efforts to enforce the government’s directive for normal trading.
   Anambra authorities repeatedly emphasized that Monday is a regular business and workday. Civil servants and teachers were reminded that existing pro‑rata salary policies (no work, no pay) remain in force, and residents were assured of adequate security support. Return to Normal Business Rhythm: Onitsha Main Market a key commercial hub in West Africa is now operating on Mondays without enforced shutdowns.
   Economic Boost: Ending the sit‑at‑home practice is expected to stimulate greater economic activity and restore confidence among traders, customers, and investors.
   Ongoing Security Focus: Security agencies will remain active to maintain peace and deter any attempts to intimidate traders or derail the reopening.