Governor Chukwuma Soludo has introduced a mandatory daily attendance register for traders in all markets across Anambra State as part of efforts to enforce full market operations, particularly on Mondays.
The governor announced the directive on Thursday during a high-level meeting with market leaders, line chairmen, and other stakeholders at the International Conference Centre in Awka.
Attendance was taken at the meeting itself amid ongoing concerns following the recent shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market.Under the new system, line leaders in each market will be responsible for recording daily attendance, while Local Government Chairmen are required to collect and submit the registers every Monday by 10:00 a.m.
Governor Soludo described the current state of the Onitsha Main Market as “an eyesore” and revealed that his administration is seriously considering a complete redevelopment of the facility.
He said plans include demolishing the existing structures and constructing a modern market with improved facilities, spacious motor parks, and better walkways.
A proposed design for the redevelopment was submitted to him more than three years ago.
The governor strongly criticised the continued observance of Monday market closures linked to the sit-at-home order, noting that many people carry out other activities on Mondays but refuse to open shops or report to work.
He recounted leading a delegation of Igbo leaders, including Prof. Pat Utomi, to meet Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at Kuje Correctional Centre over the issue.
According to Soludo, Kanu later instructed his lawyers to publicly distance him from the Monday sit-at-home directive.
“There is no justification for locking up markets, especially when the Onitsha Main Market alone has over 150 security personnel,” Soludo stated.
“How can you be destroying the homeland you claim to be fighting for? If you cannot do business in Anambra, there are 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to operate from.”
He emphasised that while traders have the right not to open their shops, the government also reserves the right to revoke land allocations for shops that remain closed on Mondays.
Soludo clarified that market closures have minimal impact on state revenue since stallage fees are paid annually, but insisted the real concern is the welfare of residents and the need for economic activity to continue uninterrupted.
In response to security fears raised by traders, the governor promised enhanced security measures, including increased deployment of personnel at strategic market locations on Mondays.
He stated that security agents would remain with traders for as long as necessary and stressed that security is as much about mindset and will as it is about firearms.
The state government has also directed all motor parks in Anambra to open on Mondays, with any non-compliant park facing a one-week shutdown.
Soludo warned that individuals enforcing Monday closures are aiding criminal elements, including those linked to Simon Ekpa and others destabilising the South-East.
“Anybody found closing shops on Mondays will be treated as a criminal. We cannot harbour criminals in Anambra State,” he declared.
He urged traders and residents to report any threats or intimidation immediately, assuring them that security agencies would track down perpetrators and provide additional protection where needed.
The measures form part of the administration’s broader push to restore normal economic activity, improve market infrastructure, and ensure the safety of traders and citizens across the state.
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