The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkwo, in the commercial city of Nnewi, following traders’ failure to comply with its directive suspending the Monday sit-at-home order.
The decision was announced on Monday during an on-the-spot inspection of the market by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd); and the Chairman of Nnewi Local Government Area, Echezona Anazodo.
Uba said the directive was issued on behalf of the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, citing what he described as low compliance by traders with the government’s order to end the Monday sit-at-home practice.
According to him, despite repeated warnings, enhanced security measures, and appeals by the state government for residents to reclaim public spaces,
many traders at the busy spare parts market kept their shops closed.“The Anambra State Government hereby informs the general public that the New Auto Spare Parts Association Market, Nkwo Nnewi, is closed for business,” Uba stated.
He explained that the closure takes effect from midnight on Monday, February 23, 2026, and the market is expected to reopen on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Traders and customers were advised to stay away from the market within the period to avoid any confrontation with law enforcement agencies. Uba further warned that the market could face an extended shutdown if there is no significant improvement in compliance when it reopens
Meanwhile, economic and social activities have gradually resumed across Anambra on Mondays since Governor Soludo reiterated in late January that the sit-at-home order was no longer recognised by the state government
The latest action follows a similar move in January when the governor ordered the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market over non-compliance with the same directive.
