PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
The Government of Anambra State hereby informs the general public that Onitsha Main Market will remain closed from today, Monday, January 26, 2026, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. The market will reopen for business on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The closure is due to non-compliance with the government’s directive to end the Monday Sit-at-Home, which costs the state up to N8 billion as part of N19.6 billion in the South East every week, while disrupting work and economic activities, leaving the state haemorrhaging.
Traders are further warned that if they are not ready to resume trading on Monday, February 2, 2026, and indeed every other Monday, the market will face a one-month closure next Monday.
The general public is also advised to stay away from the Main Market during this period to avoid any unpleasant encounters with security personnel already deployed to the area.
Furthermore, all other markets in Anambra State remain open and are expected to operate on Mondays. Any market found closed on Mondays will face a similar closure.
The government assures traders and citizens alike of maximum security and encourages them to report security breaches to 5111.
Thank you for the much-anticipated cooperation.
Law Mefor, PhD,
Commissioner for Information,
Anambra State
January 26, 2026
