Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate remodelling of the Onitsha Main Market, describing the decision as a “tough but necessary” step to secure the market’s future.
The directive followed the market’s one-week closure and came after the governor’s recent visit, during which he lamented that the once-renowned “largest market in West Africa” had deteriorated into a shadow of its former self, declaring it “literally dead.”
Speaking to traders and other stakeholders at the Light House in Awka on Friday, Soludo attributed the market’s decline to years of poor urban planning and the damaging effects of the Monday sit-at-home order.
“The Onitsha Main Market, as it currently exists, is no longer functional,” the governor said. “Our studies show that the market has outlived the purpose it was designed for. It has essentially collapsed.”
He recalled the market’s efficiency in the late 1970s, when wide roads allowed easy movement for shoppers and trucks, with ample parking space provided.
“In those days, trucks drove directly into the market and parked with ease. Today, that system has completely disappeared. If people cannot park, they cannot shop,” Soludo added.
According to the governor, the persistent observance of the Monday sit-at-home order has been a major factor in the market’s shutdown. He noted that the market has effectively been closed for more than 260 days since the practice began, resulting in billions of naira in losses and pushing customers to neighbouring states.
“Leadership demands difficult decisions to safeguard the future,” Soludo said. “The temporary closure of the market is a corrective action aimed at restoring the state’s economic vitality.”
He revealed that in 2023, the state government engaged internationally recognised experts to develop a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the 25-hectare market site, emphasising that modern commerce now relies on efficient logistics rather than congested stalls.
“The remodelling aligns with my manifesto to build well-planned, sustainable markets, communities and cities. At this point, leadership calls for taking inconvenient steps to secure tomorrow,” he stated.
Following the governor’s directive, the Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalaugo, confirmed that traders support the government’s vision for a modernised market but appealed for time to relocate their goods.
“After reviewing the state government’s proposals, the leadership and traders of Onitsha Main Market have agreed to adopt ‘Option 2’ as the preferred way forward,” Okpalaugo said.
“We understand that leadership involves hard choices, and we accept this decision for the greater good of Anambra State and the survival of our historic market. However, we respectfully request a short grace period to allow traders to safely remove their goods from areas marked as illegal structures before enforcement begins.”
It will be recalled that Governor Soludo had earlier ordered the closure of the market for one week after traders failed to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor issued the order during an on-the-spot assessment of the market on Monday, accompanied by government officials and security agencies, warning that the closure could be extended if compliance is not achieved.
He described the situation as part of a broader and ongoing struggle to reclaim economic activities in the South-East, noting that despite assurances of improved security, many traders continued to keep their shops closed.