Traders Return to Onitsha Main Market as Business Activities Resume

Business activities gradually resumed on Monday at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, following a directive by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ordering the reopening of the commercial hub.

A visit to the market showed traders cautiously returning to their shops, with many unlocking their stores under an atmosphere of uncertainty and heightened security concerns.

While a significant number commenced the day’s trading, others remained at a distance, observing the situation before committing to full operations.

The reopening follows days of tension linked to the market’s closure, a development traders say has taken a heavy toll on their livelihoods.

Anxiety also persists over government-marked structures within the market, some of which are reportedly scheduled for demolition.

Officials had earlier marked several structures with red paint, with a demolition deadline said to be February 14.

Calls for Security Presence

Speaking with journalists, traders called on the state government to ensure adequate protection of lives and property.

A trader, Samuel Okoye, urged authorities to prioritise security.
“We want to carry out our business without fear. Government should make sure security is on ground,” he said.

Another trader, Sir Chukwudi Obike, described the reopening as a long-awaited relief, citing years of disruptions linked to sit-at-home orders and insecurity in the South-east.

“We are happy the market is open again. This has been our struggle for years,” he said, while appealing to the government to reconsider the planned demolition of affected shops.

Chidi Oke also emphasised the need for improved security and encouraged customers to return.

“People should come out en masse to patronise us. We need protection so that our goods and lives are safe,” he said.

However, not all traders welcomed the development with optimism. Chidi Nwafor expressed distress after discovering that his shop allegedly purchased for ₦10 million had been marked for demolition.

“I was shocked to see the red mark on my shop. This is a huge investment for me,” he lamented.

Market Leadership Oversees Compliance

The Chairman of the Main Market, Chijioke Okparaugo, was observed moving around the market with his team to monitor compliance and encourage traders to reopen. He declined to comment when approached by journalists.

Despite lingering fears, commercial activities progressed peacefully, with an estimated 95 per cent of shops open as of midday and no reported incidents of violence.

The reopening marks a cautious step toward normalcy in one of West Africa’s largest markets. Traders, however, stress that sustained security measures and clear communication from authorities will be essential to restoring full confidence.

Source: Radio Nigeria