By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State Government has announced the introduction of a mandatory attendance register for traders across all markets in the state, as part of measures to enforce regular business activities and address recurring market closures, particularly on Mondays.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced the directive on Thursday during a meeting with market leaders, line chairmen and other stakeholders at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka. Attendance was formally taken at the meeting, which followed the recent shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market and related concerns.
Under the new directive, line leaders in markets will be responsible for daily attendance records, while local government chairmen are to collect the registers by 10:00 a.m. every Monday.
Governor Soludo described the current state of the Onitsha Main Market as unsightly and disclosed that the government is considering a complete redevelopment of the market into a modern facility. According to him, the proposed redesign—submitted more than three years ago—includes improved infrastructure such as spacious motor parks, walkways and modern amenities.
The governor expressed concern over the persistent closure of markets on Mondays, noting that many residents engage in other activities on that day but refrain from opening shops or reporting to work. He recalled previous engagements with Igbo leaders, including a visit to Kuje Prison to meet with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, during which the issue of the Monday sit-at-home was discussed. He noted that Kanu later directed his legal team to dissociate him from the order.
“There is no justification for locking up markets, especially when Onitsha Main Market alone has about 150 security personnel,” the governor said. “You cannot claim to be fighting for your homeland while destroying it.”
Governor Soludo stated that while traders have the right not to open for business, the government equally reserves the right to revoke land allocations where shops consistently remain closed on Mondays. He emphasized that the policy is not driven by revenue considerations, noting that stallage fees are paid annually, but by concern for the welfare and economic wellbeing of residents.
Responding to security concerns raised by market leaders, the governor promised an enhanced and technology-driven security system to complement existing arrangements in markets across the state.
He further assured traders that additional security personnel would be deployed to strategic market locations on Mondays to restore confidence and ensure the peaceful conduct of business. According to him, the government is prepared to work closely with market leaderships and retain security operatives in affected areas for extended periods if necessary.
“Security is not just about guns; it is also about will and mindset,” Soludo said.
The governor also disclosed that the state government has directed all motor parks to operate on Mondays, warning that any park that fails to comply will be shut down for one week.
He cautioned that individuals who enforce market or shop closures on Mondays are aiding criminal elements destabilising the South-East and Anambra State, adding that such actions would be treated as criminal offences.
Governor Soludo urged traders and residents to report threats or intimidation to the authorities, assuring them that security agencies would investigate and apprehend those responsible.
“If anyone sends you threatening messages, forward them to us. We will track down those criminals and provide additional security where necessary,” he said.
