By Chuks Collins, Awka
For the second time in less than four weeks, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has ordered the closure of a major market in the state over alleged non-compliance with his directive ending the Monday sit-at-home.
The affected market, New Auto Spare Parts Association Market, popularly known as NASPA Market, Nkwo Nnewi, was shut down following what the state government described as “low compliance” with the directive to discontinue the sit-at-home order previously observed on Mondays.
The Monday sit-at-home was introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but the state government had in late January 2026 directed residents and businesses to resume normal activities on that day.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, announced that the closure would take effect from midnight, February 23, 2026, and would last until Monday, March 2, 2026.
According to the statement, traders and customers have been advised to stay away from the market during the closure period to avoid confrontation with law enforcement agencies. The government also warned that the market could face further closure and additional sanctions if compliance does not improve by the time it reopens.
The order to seal the market was conveyed on behalf of the governor by the Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba. He was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd), and the Mayor of Nnewi, Hon. Echezona Anazodo.
The government reiterated its determination to enforce full compliance with its directive, noting that normal activities have largely resumed across the state on Mondays since the governor’s order came into effect in late January.
