Nnewi Market Shutdown Sparks Trader Debate Over Safety and Business
Traders at the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market in Nkwo Nnewi, Anambra State, have voiced diverse opinions following the closure of the market by Governor Charles Soludo. The shutdown occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, after low compliance with the governor's directive to end the Monday sit-at-home in the region.
Official Closure and Security Measures
The closure was enforced by Chief Evarist Uba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, accompanied by Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor, Security Adviser AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd), and Nnewi North LGA Mayor Hon. Echezona Anazodo. They advised traders and customers to avoid the market until Monday, March 2, 2026, warning of potential further closures if compliance remains inadequate upon reopening. Law enforcement agents are on standby to ensure adherence to the order.
Notably, Mayor Anazodo and market president Mr. Austin-Emmanuel Jideofor declined to comment when approached for reactions on Tuesday, February 24.
Trader Perspectives on Sit-at-Home Policy
Traders shared contrasting views on the sit-at-home issue. Omemgboji, a trader, suggested that collective action could mitigate risks, stating, "Majority of us are not opening businesses on Mondays because of fear, not because we like sleeping at home. Many people, including traders, have lost their lives in this journey." He emphasized the need for government-provided security and trader unity to resume Monday operations.
In contrast, Ibeku Stephen expressed a firm stance on safety, revealing personal losses: "I lost three close friends because of the Monday sit-at-home. Three of them died in Abia state when the Sit-at-Home was very heavy there. Each of them died on a Monday." He commended Soludo's efforts but criticized southeast governors for insufficient action, alleging they use social media propaganda to claim the sit-at-home is over without genuine resolution.
Economic Impact and Calls for Resolution
Felicia Izuaso, a female trader, highlighted the economic toll, noting that her family lost foreign customers who diverted to Lagos due to the sit-at-home. She urged Governor Soludo to end the practice by any means necessary, citing irreversible business losses.
The sit-at-home order, initially imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in August 2021, was permanently cancelled effective February 9, 2026, following leader Nnamdi Kanu's directive. However, enforcement has been linked to hundreds of deaths and trillions of naira in economic losses across the southeast, paralyzing schools, markets, and businesses.
As the market remains closed, traders grapple with balancing livelihood and safety, with the situation underscoring broader security challenges in the region.
