The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has urged the Anambra State Government to embrace dialogue in resolving the closure of Onitsha Main Market, warning that prolonged shutdowns could deepen economic hardship for traders and residents.
The appeal followed a one-week closure of the market ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in response to the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home across parts of the state.
In a statement signed by its President, Chinedu Nwonu, and made available to journalists in Onitsha on Wednesday, the chamber acknowledged the constitutional duty of government to maintain law, order, and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, noting that such stability is critical to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
ONICCIMA said government records indicate that the South-East loses an estimated ₦19.6 billion weekly to sit-at-home activities, with Anambra State accounting for about ₦8 billion of that figure.
It warned that the scale and frequency of the losses pose a serious risk of economic dislocation and instability.
While expressing support for decisive actions to restore lawful economic activities, the chamber cautioned against the use of prolonged market closures as punitive measures, describing them as economically and socially damaging.
According to the chamber, the closure of Onitsha Main Market disrupts supply chains, erodes investor confidence, heightens social tension, and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of households dependent on daily trading activities.
It added that continued disruption of market operations could negatively affect manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers nationwide, leading to scarcity of goods, increased transportation costs, and inflationary pressures that would ultimately be borne by consumers.
ONICCIMA therefore called on the state government to strike a balance between enforcement and engagement, security and economic sensitivity, and authority and partnership, in the overall interest of the people and the state’s economy.
It urged the government to restore confidence, protect businesses, and ensure the full return of Onitsha Main Market to normal Monday-to-Saturday operations in a safe, secure, and sustainable manner.
