Awka, January 27, 2026 — The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has formally appealed to the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to reconsider the recent directive ordering the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market, urging an expeditious reopening and a collaborative approach to resolving the lingering Monday sit-at-home trading disruptions.
In a letter dated January 27, 2026, and signed by the President of the ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the Chamber commended Governor Soludo for his sustained efforts to restore full economic activity in Anambra State, particularly in addressing the economic sabotage occasioned by the recurring Monday shutdowns which have reportedly cost the South-East region billions of naira weekly.
Describing Onitsha Main Market as one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs and a vital artery of interstate trade and national supply chains, the ACCI warned that the closure has already triggered widespread hardship for traders, small and medium enterprises, transporters and dependent families. The Chamber noted that the decision has disrupted inventory flows, increased business costs, endangered perishable goods and created ripple effects for markets in Abuja, Lagos and other commercial centres that depend heavily on supplies from Onitsha.
While acknowledging the government’s intention to enforce compliance and deter economic sabotage, the ACCI expressed concern that the temporary shutdown could deepen economic distress for thousands of businesses operating on narrow margins.
To mitigate the impact and secure sustainable compliance, the Chamber proposed a number of measures, including an early or phased reopening of the market upon verifiable commitments by traders to resume full Monday operations; structured dialogue involving the state government, market unions, security agencies and private sector stakeholders; and the introduction of short-term support mechanisms such as relief packages or access to low-interest credit for affected traders.
The ACCI further pledged its readiness to facilitate discussions and provide technical support through public-private partnerships, dispute resolution mechanisms and advocacy aimed at strengthening the business climate in Anambra State.
“Your Excellency’s leadership has consistently demonstrated foresight in promoting industrialisation, education and security in Anambra State,” the Chamber stated, expressing confidence that a balanced resolution would protect both public order and the economic vitality of the Onitsha Main Market.
The letter concluded with a respectful request for the Governor’s favourable consideration and an invitation for further engagement on the matter.
The appeal was copied to the Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, as well as the leadership of the Onitsha Main Market Traders Association.
SIGNED
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN
President
Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)
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