Despite repeated warnings from Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, commercial activities remained largely paralysed across Onitsha on Monday as many traders and business owners stayed away in observance of the sit-at-home order.
Most major markets, banks and other business premises recorded poor turnout, with only a fraction of shops opening for business.
A visit to major trading hubs, including Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Marine Modern Market, Ose-Ekwodu Market and Biafra Market, showed that only about 30 per cent of shops were open.
The state government had earlier directed traders to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order, warning that shops found closed would be sealed while defaulting owners would face fines.
However, findings revealed that some traders who stayed away from their businesses allegedly asked neighbouring shop owners to open their stores temporarily to avoid sanctions from government enforcement teams.
Several commercial banks, filling stations and other business premises also remained shut throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the President of Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, Chief Jude Nwankwo, and the President of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, said traders in their respective markets had largely complied with the government’s directive.
Speaking separately, the market leaders claimed that about 98 per cent of traders in their markets now operate on Mondays.
They, however, noted that business patronage remains low because many customers are still unwilling to travel due to security concerns and the shortage of commercial transportation.
According to them, traders who open their shops receive security protection from members of the Anambra State Vigilante Group, codenamed Operation Udo Ga-Achi and Agunechemba.
The market leaders also disclosed that their management teams have introduced enforcement measures, including sealing shops that fail to open on Mondays and sanctioning affected traders upon their return to the markets.
They expressed optimism that sustained enforcement and improved security would gradually restore normal commercial activities across the State on Mondays.
