The Anambra State Government has announced the immediate termination of the long-standing Monday sit-at-home across the state.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Board Secretary, Mgbemena Loveline E., on behalf of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board.
The government also issued a stern warning that any civil servant who disobeys the order risks severe salary penalties.
According to the statement, the decision followed deliberations at the state executive council retreat held on January 21, 2026, under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
“Sequel to the state exco retreat held on January 21, 2026, presided by the Executive Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, I am directed to inform you that the state government has directed, and also as a decision, that the protracted Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State has been abolished with immediate effect,” the statement read.
It further cautioned that “by this directive, any staff, both tutorial and non-tutorial, who fail to attend to school or the office on Monday will either receive 20 per cent of his/her salary or forfeit it entirely.”
The board instructed heads of institutions and offices to ensure that all staff are fully informed of the decision and that compliance is strictly enforced. It stressed that the directive represents an executive decision of the state government and must be adhered to without exception.
For several years, the Monday sit-at-home had significantly shaped life in Anambra State, with widespread shutdowns affecting economic, educational, and social activities. Initially enforced by non-state actors in the South-East, the practice instilled fear among residents, leading to empty streets, closed markets, and deserted offices at the beginning of each week.
The economic impact has been particularly severe, with traders, transport operators, artisans, and students repeatedly forced indoors, slowing productivity in major commercial centres such as Onitsha. Stakeholders and lawmakers have consistently described the situation as harmful to the state’s economic growth and development.
Governor Soludo has repeatedly spoken against the sit-at-home, arguing that it undermines livelihoods and progress. In April 2022, he officially declared an end to the practice, coupled with an offer of amnesty to youths in hiding and the promise of a peace and reconciliation committee to restore stability and normalcy.
In recent remarks, the governor maintained that insecurity has largely been addressed in the state and that those who still observe Mondays at home do so out of personal caution rather than any prevailing threat. He has continued to urge residents to resume full economic and social activities, insisting that Anambra is safe for business.
Despite these assurances, pockets of residents have continued the sit-at-home out of fear, a situation the government now appears determined to decisively end through enforcement and sanctions.
What you should know
The Anambra State Government’s latest directive represents a renewed push to permanently end the economic paralysis caused by the Monday sit-at-home.
While the policy had its roots in security concerns and political agitation, authorities argue that it has outlived its purpose and continues to damage livelihoods, education, and public service delivery. By linking compliance to salary consequences, the government is signalling a tougher stance aimed at restoring full economic activity and public confidence.
The move also reflects Governor Soludo’s broader agenda of normalising daily life, improving security perception, and accelerating economic recovery across the state.
