Anambra shuts Nnewi Spare Parts Market over sit-at-home defiance

The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkwo, in the commercial city of Nnewi, following traders’ continued observance of the controversial Monday sit-at-home directive.

The shutdown, which takes effect from midnight on Monday, February 23, 2026, will last until Monday, March 2, 2026.

The directive was announced during an on-the-spot assessment of the market by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor; the Special Adviser on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd); and the Chairman of Nnewi Local Government Area, Mr Echezona Anazodo.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Uba said the action became necessary after traders allegedly ignored repeated warnings and assurances of improved security across the state.

According to him, despite government appeals urging residents to reclaim public spaces and resume full economic activities on Mondays, a significant number of traders kept their shops under lock and key.

“The Anambra State Government hereby informs the general public that the New Auto Spare Parts Association Market, Nkwo Nnewi, is closed for business,” he declared.

He warned that further sanctions, including an extended closure, could be imposed if compliance remains unsatisfactory when the market reopens next week.

Traders and customers were advised to stay away from the market within the period to avoid confrontation with law enforcement agents.

The development comes weeks after the state government intensified efforts to dismantle the sit-at-home culture that has disrupted economic and social life in parts of the South-East.

In January, the governor ordered the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market for similar non-compliance, reinforcing his administration’s resolve to restore normalcy and protect economic productivity in the state.

While most parts of Anambra have since resumed regular Monday activities, the government insists that strict enforcement will continue in markets and public institutions that fail to align with its directive.

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