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Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has directed the immediate remodelling of the Onitsha Main Market, describing the move as a difficult but unavoidable decision taken in the interest of the state’s economic future.
The directive followed the governor’s recent inspection of the market, which has been shut for one week. During the visit, Soludo said the once-thriving commercial centre — widely regarded as the largest market in West Africa — had fallen into severe decline and was no longer functioning as intended.
Speaking to traders and other stakeholders at the Light House in Awka on Friday, January 30, the governor attributed the market’s deterioration to years of poor urban planning, compounded by the economic impact of the Monday sit-at-home order.
According to Soludo, the market has lost the structure and efficiency it was originally designed to have.
“The Onitsha Main Market, in its current condition, is no longer functional. We have carried out extensive studies, and it is clear that the market has lost its purpose. It has, quite literally, died,” he said.
Recalling the market’s layout in the late 1970s, Soludo noted that it once featured wide roads that allowed free movement for shoppers and trucks, along with ample parking spaces. He lamented that the orderly design has since been replaced by congestion and unregulated structures.
“When people cannot park, they cannot shop. Trucks used to drive directly into the market, and there were massive parking areas. All of that has disappeared,” he added.
The governor also pointed to the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home order as a major contributor to the market’s decline, noting that trading activities have effectively been halted for more than 260 days since the practice began. He said the state loses billions of naira weekly, as buyers increasingly patronise markets in neighbouring states.
Soludo described the temporary closure and planned remodelling as a corrective measure aimed at restoring Anambra’s economic vitality.
“Leadership sometimes demands taking inconvenient decisions to secure the future. This action is about reclaiming our economic life,” he said.
He revealed that the state government commissioned internationally recognised experts in 2023 to develop a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the 25-hectare market site. According to him, the new design focuses on modern commerce, which relies on efficient logistics rather than overcrowded stalls.
“The remodelling aligns with our vision to build well-planned, sustainable markets, communities, and cities. At moments like this, leadership calls for courage,” Soludo added.
Reacting to the announcement, Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalaugo, said traders support the government’s long-term vision but appealed for additional time to relocate their goods.
He explained that after reviewing the proposals presented by the state government, market leaders and traders agreed to adopt what was described as “Option 2” as the preferred path forward.
“We understand that leadership involves tough choices, and we accept this decision in the broader interest of Anambra State and the survival of our market,” Okpalaugo said.
However, he urged the governor to grant traders a short grace period to enable them to safely remove their wares from areas classified as illegal structures before enforcement and demolition begin.
Governor Soludo had earlier ordered the one-week closure of the market after traders failed to comply with the state’s directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order. He warned that the shutdown could be extended if non-compliance continues, adding that security agencies have sealed the market as part of ongoing efforts to revive economic activity in the South-East.
