The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to reconsider the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market, citing its far-reaching economic impact.
The appeal was contained in a letter signed by the President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, and released on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the chamber, the market has remained closed since January 26 as part of efforts by the Anambra State Government to enforce Monday trading and curb economic sabotage linked to sit-at-home practices.
Obegolu commended the governor’s efforts to restore normal economic activities in the state, particularly actions aimed at addressing the persistent Monday sit-at-home observance.
He noted that the practice had continued to inflict massive economic losses estimated at billions of naira weekly, affecting not only Anambra State but also the wider South-East region and national supply chains.
Describing Onitsha Main Market as one of the largest commercial hubs in West Africa, Obegolu said the market plays a critical role in interstate trade, supply of manufacturing inputs and nationwide distribution of consumer goods.
He added that millions of Nigerians depend directly or indirectly on the market for their livelihoods, stressing that the temporary closure had caused significant hardship for traders, small businesses and transport operators.
According to him, many affected traders operate on slim profit margins and have limited alternative sources of income, while disruptions have also led to inventory shortages, rising costs and potential spoilage of perishable goods.
He said the ripple effects of the closure were already being felt in major commercial centres such as Abuja and Lagos, which rely heavily on goods sourced from Onitsha.
The ACCI president urged the Anambra State Government to consider an early and phased reopening of the market, possibly before the expiration of the one-week shutdown.
He suggested that reopening could be tied to clear commitments by market leadership and traders to operate fully on Mondays and all designated business days.
Obegolu also called for sustained dialogue involving market unions, government officials, security agencies and private sector stakeholders to develop confidence-building measures that would guarantee safe and uninterrupted trading.
He further appealed for short-term support for affected traders, including relief measures or access to low-interest credit facilities, to help cushion losses during the transition period.
He said the chamber remained willing to engage with relevant stakeholders to achieve a balanced resolution that maintains public order while preserving the economic vitality of the Onitsha Main Market.