The Anambra State government has instructed traders in 12 additional markets to open on Mondays, warning that non-compliance could result in temporary closures.
DAILY POST reports that the fresh directive is coming shortly after the one-week shutdown of Onitsha Main Market, which followed traders’ repeated refusal to open on Mondays, a practice the government said was “disrupting economic activities” in the state.
Markets included in the new directive are Ochanja Central Market, Bridgehead Market, Ogbaru Main Market, Building Materials Market in Ogidi, Agba-Edo Auto Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, New Auto and Motorcycle Spare Parts Market, Nnewi.
Others are Fairly Used Motorcycle Spare Parts Market, Nnewi, New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor, Nkpor Main Market, Old Mercedes Benz Spare Parts Dealers Market, Nkpor, Old Motor Spare Parts Market, Obosi, and Electrical Dealers International Market, Obosi.
The directive, issued through a circular titled ‘Abolishment of Monday Sit-at-Home’, and signed by Chief Evarist Uba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, requires market chairmen to ensure full compliance with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s order to restore economic activity.
Government monitoring teams will carry out random inspections, according to the circular.
“Shops that remain closed will be sealed, and owners may face legal action. Any market found in violation may be closed for one month,” the circular warned.
