Anambra Government and Traders Greenlight Phased Remodelling of Onitsha Main Market

The Anambra State Government has secured an agreement with traders to begin a phased redevelopment of Onitsha Main Market, aimed at upgrading infrastructure and creating a more organized, sustainable commercial environment.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced the development on Friday following talks with traders from Onitsha Main Market and surrounding marketplaces at the Government House in Awka. The dialogue concluded with a mutual agreement to start immediate market improvements.

Soludo emphasized that the redevelopment would be implemented in phases to reduce disruption to businesses. “Sometimes leadership requires taking inconvenient but necessary decisions to secure the future,” he said, stressing that the initiative would align the market with global standards.

Key elements of the revamp include reclaiming market parks, restoring walkways, constructing public conveniences, repainting and color-coding shops and trading lines, among others.

“This effort reflects our administration’s commitment to building planned, sustainable cities, communities, and marketplaces across Anambra,” the governor added.

Onitsha Main Market Chairman, Chijioke Okpalugo, confirmed that traders welcomed the government’s proposal and opted for the phased remodeling plan.

The initiative follows continued debates over market operations, including previous temporary closures on Mondays in line with local sit-at-home directives, which some traders had resisted.