The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Market Bill into law, aiming to strengthen commercial activities, improve market regulation, and curb disruptions linked to illegal sit-at-home directives in the state.
The bill was approved during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, after it scaled first, second, and third readings following the suspension of relevant rules to allow for accelerated consideration.
Leading debate on the legislation, the Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme, described the measure as timely, noting that Anambra is a key commercial hub whose economic stability must be protected.
He said the law is designed to check activities that disrupt business operations, particularly illegal sit-at-home orders that have negatively affected trade and reduced internally generated revenue.
According to him, the legislation provides a framework for the establishment, regulation, and effective management of markets across the state, while designating about 40 major markets as areas of significant economic and security interest.
Among the markets listed are the Onitsha Main Market, Ariaria Line (Agba Edo), Nnewi, and Nkwo Umunze.
Under the new law, businesses operating within the designated markets are required to open daily, except on Sundays and public holidays. Market executives are also mandated to maintain comprehensive registers of traders and carry out periodic inspections to ensure compliance and prevent criminal activities.
Seconding the motion, the lawmaker representing Idemili North Constituency, Kingsley Udemezue, said the legislation further empowers the state governor, Charles Soludo, to extend such security designations to motor parks and other business premises where necessary.
The law prescribes strict penalties for defaulters, including fines and possible imprisonment for individuals or business owners who comply with unlawful directives capable of undermining economic stability.
Lawmakers said the measure is part of broader efforts to reinforce public order, restore investor confidence, and sustain economic growth in Anambra State.