A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has appealed to the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to reconsider the decision to shut the Onitsha Main Market for one week, warning that the move could deepen economic hardship for traders and negatively affect the state’s economy.
Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, made the appeal in a statement released on Thursday, urging the state government to prioritise dialogue and stakeholder engagement rather than punitive measures.
The lawmaker expressed concern that the closure, ordered after traders failed to open on Monday following the state government’s ban on sit-at-home activities, has triggered public outcry and protests in Onitsha.
He noted that the protests led to the shutdown of the city, a major commercial hub and transit corridor for Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions.
According to Ogene, the government should have embarked on extensive sensitisation and consultations with market leaders and business stakeholders before announcing the directive.
“Engaging traders and highlighting the improved security situation in the state, as demonstrated during the peaceful Christmas season, would have encouraged compliance with the policy rather than resistance,” he said.
He cited available data indicating that the Onitsha Main Market records losses of approximately ₦8 billion for every Monday it remains closed, warning that a week-long shutdown would have far-reaching consequences for traders and the wider state economy.
Ogene also drew attention to the presence of large volumes of perishable goods in the market, which he said would suffer significant depreciation during the closure, compounding losses for traders.
The lawmaker further noted that the Onitsha Main Market attracts buyers and traders from across West Africa on a daily basis. He warned that a sudden closure could leave international visitors stranded in the state and damage Nigeria’s image at a time when governments at all levels are seeking to attract foreign investment and promote business confidence.
Calling for a more measured approach, Ogene urged Governor Soludo to undertake comprehensive consultations with relevant stakeholders to foster better understanding of the government’s policy objectives.
He also advocated a phased reopening of the market ahead of the initially announced one-week period, arguing that such a step would help minimise economic losses, reduce social tension, and ease anxiety among residents and the business community in Anambra State.