The Anambra State Government has ordered the temporary closure of the New Auto Spare Parts Market located at Nkwo in Nnewi following its failure to comply with a statewide directive mandating that all markets operate fully on Mondays.
The enforcement action was carried out under the supervision of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba.
According to reports, the market was sealed for a one-week period as part of efforts to enforce compliance and address what the government described as economic sabotage within the state.
Uba explained that the decision to close the market was taken on the instructions of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. He stressed that the governor’s directive underscores the administration’s determination to strengthen market regulation, particularly within key commercial and industrial centers across Anambra.
He stated that the market’s closure was prompted by persistent unresolved issues, chief among them the continued refusal by traders to open for business on Mondays, despite clear government instructions requiring uniform compliance across all markets in the state.
“Not opening the market on Mondays is considered by the state government as an act of economic sabotage and will be treated as such.
“The market is expected to remain under government and security watch until the expiration of the one-week mandate,” he said.
Uba further indicated that during the one-week shutdown, traders, union executives, and other stakeholders are expected to reassess their position and align with the state’s policy. He warned that failure to comply with the Monday trading directive after the suspension period would attract stricter consequences, including an extension of the closure to two weeks.
The government maintains that the directive requiring markets to operate on Mondays is part of broader economic reforms aimed at stabilizing commercial activities and ensuring consistent productivity throughout the week. Authorities argue that selective closures disrupt trade flow, affect revenue generation, and undermine investor confidence in the state’s commercial hubs.
The New Auto Spare Parts Market in Nkwo, Nnewi, is regarded as a significant trading center within Anambra’s industrial network, making its compliance with state policies particularly critical. The administration has reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations uniformly across all markets to prevent selective observance of government directives.
Officials also signaled that security agencies will continue monitoring the premises throughout the duration of the shutdown to ensure that no trading activities take place until the suspension period lapses.
What You Should Know
The Anambra State Government has closed the New Auto Spare Parts Market in Nkwo, Nnewi, for one week due to non-compliance with its directive requiring all markets to operate on Mondays.
Authorities describe refusal to open on Mondays as economic sabotage and have warned of stricter penalties, including extended closure, if traders fail to comply after the one-week suspension.
The action reflects the state government’s broader effort to enforce market discipline and strengthen economic activity across Anambra’s commercial centers.
