ONITSHA – The bustling commercial hub of Onitsha is set to resume full trading activities as traders have formally capitulated to Governor Charles Soludo’s directives, choosing mandatory Monday operations over the complete demolition and reconstruction of the Onitsha Main Market.
The decision ends days of intense street protests that saw traders block the River Niger Head Bridge and clash with security forces. Market leaders agreed to adopt the second option presented by the Anambra State Government, effectively sounding the death knell for compliance with the recurring Monday “sit-at-home” order.
The agreement includes several key terms:
- Mandatory Operations:Â Traders must open for business every Monday without exception.
- Attendance Monitoring:Â A system will be implemented to track compliance with Monday attendance.
- Structural Reforms:Â Illegal structures and plazas within the market will be removed as part of efforts to restore the original master plan and establish designated parking areas.
This resolution prevents the state government from implementing a more extensive plan that would have involved a two-year closure and total reconstruction of the market. The governor has emphasized the importance of consistent economic activity.
Following this agreement, the market is expected to resume operations immediately, indicating a step towards normalizing commercial activities in the region.
