NPMA appeals to Soludo over Onitsha market closure

By Joy Enamuna

The Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, an umbrella body of 58 major markets in Lagos State, has appealed to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, to reopen the Onitsha Main Market, which was shut down over alleged economic sabotage.

The market, described as one of the largest trading hubs in West Africa, was closed by the governor after traders refused to open their shops on Mondays.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the President of NPMA, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, expressed concern over the closure, warning that it had inflicted significant hardship on thousands of traders and their families.

Ukatu noted that the shutdown had disrupted the livelihoods of traders and strained the supply chain of essential goods and services across the region and beyond.

“This abrupt action has inflicted significant hardship on thousands of traders, their families, and the wider trading community who rely on the market for their livelihoods and daily essentials,” he stated.

“The closure has not only disrupted the economic well-being of our members but also strained the supply chain of essential goods and services in the region and across the globe, affecting countless citizens, including members of my noble association.”

While acknowledging the government’s concerns over economic sabotage, Ukatu urged Soludo to reconsider the decision and engage in constructive dialogue with market leadership to find a lasting solution.

He also called on the state government to deploy adequate security personnel within the market to guarantee the safety of traders.

The NPMA president drew attention to what he described as operational inconsistencies on Mondays in Anambra State, noting that banks and airlines do not operate in the state on that day.

“We observed that banks don’t operate in the state on Mondays, and airlines don’t operate or fly into Anambra on Mondays too. If all mechanisms that facilitate trade aren’t operational on Mondays, it may be difficult for traders to open shops on Mondays too,” Ukatu explained.

He assured the state government of NPMA’s readiness to collaborate in addressing the issues, emphasising that reopening the market would restore economic activity and contribute to the development of Anambra State and the nation at large.

“NPMA stands ready to collaborate with the state government to address any issues, ensuring the market operates safely, efficiently, and in a manner that benefits all parties involved,” he added.

The association also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene and facilitate a resolution to the impasse.

“We call on other relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene and facilitate a lasting solution. NPMA remains committed to working with all parties to ensure markets in Nigeria operate in a secure, conducive environment for traders and consumers alike,” the statement read.

As of press time, the Anambra State Government had not issued a response to the appeal.