By Muhammad Mamman
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to traders at the Onitsha Main Market, declaring that the facility could be demolished and converted into a school if shop owners fail to resume business on Monday.
The governor gave the warning during a recent address to market leaders and stakeholders, expressing concern over the persistent closure of shops and its impact on economic activities in the state. He stressed that markets are critical to Anambra’s commercial reputation and must operate consistently to sustain livelihoods and government revenue.
According to him, the continued refusal by some traders to open their shops undermines the purpose for which the market exists and disrupts the state’s economic flow. He maintained that public facilities must serve the broader interest of society and should not remain underutilised.
Soludo noted that if the trend persists, the government would consider repurposing the market space for social infrastructure, including the possible construction of a school, to benefit the wider community.
The governor urged traders to cooperate with authorities and prioritise dialogue over actions that could harm the state’s economy. He reassured law-abiding traders of the government’s commitment to providing a safe and enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Market union representatives have yet to issue an official response, but some traders expressed mixed reactions, with many calling for further engagement with the state government to resolve underlying concerns.
