By Chuks Collins, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has scheduled an emergency meeting with market stakeholders following two days of tension and uncertainty arising from the closure of major markets across the state, particularly the Onitsha Main Market.
The meeting was convened through a letter dated January 27, 2026, with reference number MCI/SPAD/MKT/V.1/177, issued by the Anambra State Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The letter was signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba.
According to the invitation, all market chairmen and secretaries, zonal chairmen and secretaries, as well as line chairmen and secretaries across the state, are expected to attend the meeting, which is scheduled to hold on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
The letter stated in part: “Notice is hereby given to market executives in the state, including zonal chairmen and secretaries, line chairmen and secretaries, to attend a crucial meeting with Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on matters of urgent importance.”
It further noted that accreditation would be conducted for all invited market leaders.
In the last two days, the governor has faced criticism from analysts and public commentators who accused him of acting unilaterally in announcing the sealing of the Onitsha Main Market without prior consultation with traders and stakeholders.
Some commentators warned that the action could set a dangerous precedent, particularly given that traders from the South-East dominate many markets across Nigeria. They questioned how the state government would respond if governors in other regions were to adopt similar measures affecting traders from Anambra and the wider South-East.
The analysts described the market closure as “ill-conceived and narrow in outlook,” arguing that the traders could successfully challenge the decision in court. According to them, the state government neither allocated the shops nor pays rent on behalf of the traders, and there is no subsisting contractual relationship that would justify such action.
Concerns were also raised over the safety and security of traders, their goods, and market facilities during the closure. Commentators questioned whether the state government would accept responsibility should any loss, damage, or harm occur to traders, their property, or lives.
Additionally, critics challenged the governor’s claims of losing billions of naira in revenue due to market closures, urging him to publicly account for achievements recorded with revenues generated since assuming office. They accused the administration of neglecting market infrastructure, noting the absence of visible improvements or upgrades to both the interior and exterior of major markets to enhance operations, accessibility, and emergency response.
The outcome of the scheduled dialogue is expected to determine the next steps in resolving the standoff between the state government and market
