Anambra Government Seals 200 Shops in Onitsha to Curb Sit‑At‑Home Compliance!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa
Anambra State authorities have sealed more than 200 shops in Onitsha’s Bridge Head Market after traders reportedly failed to open on Monday, defying the state government’s directive to end the week-long sit‑at‑home practice, a measure that has intermittently disrupted commercial activity in southeastern Nigeria.
The enforcement operation, conducted by officials from the Onitsha South Local Government Area (LGA), saw entrances to six market lines padlocked and shops secured. The move comes amid intensified government efforts to normalize Monday trade and revive economic activities across the state.
Enforcement and Government Rationale
On Monday, 24 February 2026, a compliance monitoring team led by Chief Joseph Emeka Orji, Chairman of Onitsha South LGA, alongside Secretary Paul Onuachalla, inspected Bridge Head Market. Authorities found multiple shops closed, which they interpreted as refusal to adhere to government directives to ignore sit‑at‑home calls and resume business operations.
Officials described the non-compliance as economic sabotage at a time when the state is striving for uninterrupted commercial activity. The sealed shops are expected to remain closed until the following Monday, with warnings that shop allocations could be revoked and reassigned if traders fail to comply.
Local authorities emphasised that the clampdown reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring that traders operate in line with official directives.
Sit‑At‑Home Practice and Economic Impact
The weekly Monday lockdown, often associated with non-state actors including factions linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has long disrupted commerce in the South-East.
In recent weeks, Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has intensified measures to discourage the practice. Actions included temporary closures of major markets, such as the Onitsha Main Market and Nkwo Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market, where traders previously defied reopening directives.
Authorities argue that ending the habitual sit‑at‑home will revive economic activity, restore investor confidence, and reduce supply chain disruptions in one of Nigeria’s most commercially significant states.
Traders’ Response and Public Reaction
Traders’ reactions have been mixed. Some protested the closures, while others reopened their shops in compliance with government orders, reflecting cautious adherence amid concerns over economic losses.
Civil society groups and business associations stress that while enforcement may be necessary, sustained dialogue and enhanced security assurances are crucial for building trader confidence and ensuring long-term compliance without coercion
The Road Ahead for Anambra’s Commerce
As the state seeks to fully normalize Monday trade, authorities have warned of escalating penalties for persistent defaulters, including potential revocation of shop allocations.
The success of these measures will be closely watched by investors, traders, and economic stakeholders, potentially influencing similar policies across other South-East states grappling with weekly disruptions.
Sources
PUNCH
New Telegraph
Channels Television
Arise News
PUNCH / Channels Television
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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