KEY POINTS

• Anambra authorities shut NASPA Market in Nkwo Nnewi for one week starting Feb. 23, 2026, citing disobedience to anti–sit-at-home orders.
• Officials warn the closure could be extended if traders fail to comply when the market reopens March 2.
• The move follows similar enforcement earlier in 2026 when Onitsha Main Market was temporarily sealed to restore Monday business activity.

The Anambra State Government has ordered the temporary closure of the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market in Nkwo Nnewi, directing that all trading activities cease for one week starting from midnight on February 23, 2026.

The announcement was contained in an official statement signed by Information Commissioner Law Mefor, who said the market will remain shut until March 2, 2026, when authorities will review compliance levels before allowing full reopening.

According to the statement, the action followed what the government described as “low compliance” with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive abolishing the long-running Monday sit-at-home practice in the state.

The closure order was conveyed to traders by the governor’s Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Evarist Uba, alongside Security Adviser Ben Chiobi and Nnewi Mayor Echezona Anazodo.

Authorities warned traders and customers to stay away from the market until the reopening date to avoid enforcement action.

Earlier Enforcement at Onitsha Main Market

The latest move follows a similar enforcement action in January when the state government temporarily closed the Onitsha Main Market and surrounding trading hubs.

That step was also aimed at compelling traders to open shops on Mondays and resume normal commercial activity.

During a visit at the time, Soludo stressed that his administration would not tolerate what he called economic sabotage, warning that markets refusing to operate risk sanctions, including prolonged closure.

For years, parts of Anambra and other South-East states have observed Monday sit-at-home directives imposed by non-state actors. The practice has frequently shut down markets, schools, and offices, significantly affecting economic productivity and public life.

In April 2022, Soludo officially declared the exercise over, announced an amnesty programme for youths involved, and pledged reconciliation efforts. Despite those steps, compliance has remained uneven in some commercial centres.