Traders in Onitsha metropolis have resumed full business activities on Mondays, in compliance with the Anambra State Government’s directive. This marks a significant shift from the longstanding Monday Sit-At-Home order initiated by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), which had kept markets and businesses closed since August 2021.
Despite multiple efforts to end the Sit-At-Home exercise, including appeals from IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, traders continued to shut down on Mondays. However, last week, Governor Chukwuma Soludo personally visited several markets in Onitsha, reiterating his administration’s commitment to ending the disruptions and ensuring security for traders.
During visits to key markets today by ABS reporters, traders were seen reopening their shops, with a noticeable presence of customers in some areas, although others reported low turnout. Markets such as Onitsha Printing Paper Dealers Market, Woliwo; Electronic Dealers Market, Bridge Head; Coke Market, Okpoko; and Relief Market, saw varying levels of activity.
Speaking with ABS, traders including Chiefs Izuchukwu Ifegbu, Ndubisi Ochiogu, and Sir Dona Obi expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts. They commended Governor Soludo for deploying security personnel to ensure a smooth business environment but noted that while compliance was high, customer patronage remained relatively low.
At Coke Market, Okpoko, there was a large influx of both traders and customers, signaling hope for an eventual return to normal trading activities across the region.
