ONITSHA – Anambra State government has ordered the closure of New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkwo-Nnewi in the industial city of Nnewi, for one week following traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive to stop Monday sit-at-home.

The order for the closure was handed down on Monday, during an on-site visit to the market, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba.

Uba was in company with the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi(Rtd) and the Chairman, Nnewi North Local Government Area, Echezona Anazodo.

According to him, the order was handed down on behalf of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, adding that the market may face further closure if compliance is not substantial by next Monday, when the market reopens.

He said that despite repeated warnings and assurances of enhanced security and appeals to reclaim public spaces, many traders at the busy market once again chose to keep their stalls locked.

He, therefore, advised traders and customers to avoid the market until next Monday to avoid issues with law enforcement agents.

He said, “The Anambra State Government hereby informs the general public that the New Auto Spare Parts Asocciation Market, Nkwo Nnewi, is closed for business.

“The market, whose date of closure is effective from midnight today, Monday, February 23, 2026, will reopen next Monday, March 2, 2026.

“The closure of the market followed low compliance with the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s order to end Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State.

“Traders and customers are advised to avoid the market until next Monday to avoid having issues with law enforcement agents.

“The market may face further closure if compliance is not substantial by next Monday, when the market reopens.”

Meantime, normal activities have resumed in Anambra State on Mondays following the governor’s order late January, 2026