Soludo Mandates Attendance Registers, Threatens Market Closures in Anambra

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has introduced a mandatory attendance register for traders in all markets across the state, signaling a stricter approach to market operations and Monday business activities.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting with market leaders at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Awka on Thursday. Line chairmen in each market are now tasked with recording daily attendance, while Local Government Chairmen will collect the registers every Monday by 10:00 a.m.

Soludo described the current state of Onitsha Main Market as “an eyesore” and revealed plans for a complete redevelopment. The governor said a new market design, featuring modern facilities such as spacious motor parks and walkways, had been submitted for consideration over three years ago.

Addressing the controversial Monday sit-at-home orders, the governor criticized ongoing market closures. “There is no justification for locking up markets, especially when the Onitsha Main Market alone has over 150 security personnel,” he said, warning traders that refusal to open on Mondays could lead to revocation of land ownership rights.

He noted that opening or closing markets does not significantly affect state revenue, as stallage fees are collected annually, but emphasized the government’s priority is the welfare of the people. Soludo also directed all motor parks in Anambra to operate on Mondays, threatening temporary shutdowns for non-compliance.

To ease security concerns, Soludo promised enhanced protection at strategic market locations and assured traders of sustained security presence. “Security is not just about guns; it is also about will and mindset,” he said.

The governor further linked market closures to destabilizing activities, accusing supporters of Simon Ekpa of enforcing sit-at-home orders to disrupt peace and commerce in the South-East.