Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has directed that all markets and shops across the state must open for business on Mondays and all other viable days, as part of efforts to revive economic activities and restore normal commercial life.

The directive was issued on Thursday in Awka during an interactive session with market and line leaders from across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was convened against the backdrop of the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and the lingering Monday sit-at-home practice in parts of the South-East.

Addressing the traders, Gov. Soludo disclosed that his administration was considering a “renovate or rebuild” option for the Onitsha Main Market. He explained that the project would either involve a full redevelopment of the market into a modern trading hub or a comprehensive modernisation of the existing structures.

He stressed that, irrespective of the option eventually adopted, the closure of markets on Mondays would no longer be tolerated.

“The sit-at-home practice has evolved from a political protest into a criminal activity, and it is not in any way linked to Mr. Nnamdi Kanu,” the governor said.

“I do not support the sit-at-home order, and it is not even observed in Umuahia, his hometown. We will deploy stronger measures to enforce compliance, as many of those enforcing the sit-at-home are not indigenes of Anambra.”

In response, market leaders expressed their readiness to comply with the directive but raised concerns about security and logistics.

The Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Mr. Chijioke Okpalugo, said traders would commence Monday trading in line with the governor’s vision. He appealed for improved security presence in markets to ensure the safety of traders and customers.

Mr. Okpalugo also called for the full operation of motor parks to facilitate the inflow of buyers from within and outside the state, as well as decisive action against those who benefitted from or facilitated the enforcement of the sit-at-home.

Gov. Soludo, however, assured traders that the state government would overhaul the security architecture around markets to prevent harassment and guarantee the safety of lives and property. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring normal commercial activities across Anambra State.