Anambra shuts Nnewi spare-parts market over sit-at-home

The Anambra State Government on Monday, February 23, 2026, closed the Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkwo, in Nnewi for one week after many traders failed to open their shops in line with the state’s directive against the Monday sit-at-home order.

The action was taken during an inspection visit by top government officials who said the closure takes effect from midnight and will last until Monday, March 2, 2026.

The decision was announced during an on-the-spot visit to the market by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Evarist Uba.

He was joined by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor; the Special Adviser on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (retd); and the Chairman of Nnewi Local Government Area, Echezona Anazodo. The team said they were acting on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

According to the officials, the market was shut because many traders ignored repeated calls by the state government to stop observing the Monday sit-at-home and resume normal business.

They said the government had earlier assured residents of safety and urged them to return to work, yet several shops in the busy spare-parts market remained locked.

The government directed traders and customers to stay away from the market during the one-week period to avoid any clash with law enforcement officers.

It also warned that the closure could be extended if traders fail to comply when the market reopens next Monday.

In recent weeks, business and public activities have started picking up on Mondays across the state following the governor’s order in late January banning the sit-at-home practice. However, some markets have continued to record low turnout.

Earlier in January, the state government also sealed the Onitsha Main Market for one week for a similar reason after traders there failed to open their shops on a Monday.

The latest action in Nnewi shows the government’s resolve to enforce its directive and ensure full return to work across Anambra State.