Prominent lawyer and President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, has written to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, urging him to reconsider the recent closure of Onitsha Main Market.
In the letter dated January 27, 2026, Obegolu expressed concern over the severe hardships inflicted on traders, SMEs, and families dependent on the market, citing disruptions to inventory flows, increased costs, and potential spoilage of perishables.
“We fully recognize and commend Your Excellency’s commitment to restoring economic activity in Anambra State,” Obegolu wrote. “However, we humbly appeal for an early and phased reopening of the market, contingent on verifiable commitments from traders to fully operate on Mondays and every business day henceforth.”
Obegolu proposed collaborative dialogue involving market unions, government representatives, security agencies, and private sector stakeholders to develop sustainable measures enabling safe and consistent trading. He also suggested support mechanisms for affected traders, including short-term relief or access to low-interest credit facilities.
The ACCI president assured Soludo of their readiness to facilitate or participate in discussions, leveraging their experience in public-private partnerships and advocacy for a conducive business environment.
“The full letter reads:
I write on behalf of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the foremost private sector organization representing diverse business interests across Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory and beyond, to respectfully appeal for your kind consideration in revisiting the recent directive to close Onitsha Main Market for one week, effective January 26, 2026.
We fully recognize and commend Your Excellency’s unwavering commitment to restoring full economic activity in Anambra State, particularly by addressing the persistent Monday sit-at-home observance, which has inflicted significant economic losses estimated in billions of naira weekly—not only on Anambra but on the broader South-East region and national supply chains.
“Onitsha Main Market remains one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, serving as a critical artery for interstate trade, manufacturing inputs, consumer goods distribution, and livelihoods for millions of Nigerians, including many businesses affiliated with or reliant upon our chamber’s network.
“The temporary closure, while intended to enforce compliance and deter economic sabotage, has unfortunately triggered immediate and severe hardships for thousands of traders, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), transporters, and dependent families—many of whom operate on thin margins and lack alternative income sources.
“Reports indicate disruptions to inventory flows, increased costs, potential spoilage of perishables, and ripple effects on businesses in Abuja, Lagos, and other commercial centers that source goods from Onitsha.
“In light of these realities, we humbly urge Your Excellency to consider the following:
1. Early and phased reopening of the market, possibly ahead of the initial one-week period, contingent on verifiable commitments from market leadership and traders to fully operate on Mondays and every business day henceforth.
2. Collaborative dialogue involving market unions, Anambra State government representatives, security agencies, and private sector stakeholders (including chambers of commerce) to develop sustainable, confidence-building measures—such as enhanced security presence, community engagement, and incentive structures—that enable safe and consistent trading without coercion that risks further alienation.
3. Support mechanisms for affected traders during any transition, including short-term relief or access to low-interest credit facilities, to mitigate losses and reinforce compliance with normal business operations.
“The ACCI stands ready to facilitate or participate in such discussions, leveraging our experience in public-private partnerships, dispute resolution, and advocacy for a conducive business environment. We believe a balanced approach that upholds law and order while protecting legitimate commerce will yield longer-term gains for Anambra State’s economy and Nigeria as a whole.
“Your Excellency’s leadership has consistently demonstrated foresight in promoting industrialization, education, and security in Anambra State. We are confident that, with your characteristic wisdom and compassion, a resolution can be reached that safeguards both public order and the economic vitality of Onitsha Main Market.
We kindly request your favorable consideration of this appeal and would be most grateful for any opportunity to engage further on this matter.”
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