The Anambra State Government has shut down the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market in Nkwo Nnewi after accusing traders of failing to fully comply with the ban on the Monday sit-at-home in the state. Officials say the action became necessary due to continued low turnout and partial business activity on Mondays.
The closure begins at midnight on Monday, February 23, 2026, and will remain in effect until Monday, March 2, 2026. During this period, all trading activities within the market are suspended.
The directive was announced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, who was joined by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor; the Special Adviser on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd); and the Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo. They stated that the measure was taken on behalf of Governor Charles Soludo.
According to the state government, the shutdown follows what it described as “low compliance” with Governor Soludo’s January 2026 order directing residents and businesses to resume full economic activities every Monday. The governor had declared that the era of enforced sit-at-home in Anambra must end.
Authorities have advised traders and customers not to visit the market throughout the closure period. They warned that security agencies will enforce the order and anyone attempting to conduct business there risks facing law enforcement action.
The government also made it clear that the one-week closure may not be the final measure. Officials said the market could remain shut for a longer period if traders fail to show “substantial compliance” when it reopens next week.
“Traders and customers are advised to stay away from the market until next Monday to avoid issues with law enforcement agents,” the statement said. “The market may face further closure if compliance is not substantial by next Monday.”
Governor Soludo had earlier, in late January, intensified efforts to end the Monday sit-at-home, insisting that normal social and economic life must return across the state. He emphasised that businesses should operate without fear and that the government would take firm steps against defiance.
As part of that enforcement, the state government previously shut down the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders there failed to comply with the directive. Security agencies sealed the market to ensure total adherence, and the governor warned at the time that any continued resistance would attract stricter penalties.
The Monday sit-at-home order, originally linked to activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had disrupted economic activities in the state for an extended period. However, the Anambra State Government maintains that compliance has significantly improved in many areas since the enforcement measures began, though some markets are still lagging.
