“I have the power to revoke Onitsha Main Market premises,” Soludo tells ASMATA officials

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said his administration has the legal authority to revoke market premises across the state, including Onitsha Main Market, where such action is required for overriding public interest.

The governor made the statement on Thursday while addressing leaders of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) at the International Conference Centre, Awka. He said the law empowers the government to repurpose market lands for public projects such as schools or security facilities.

Soludo explained that in the event of revocation, compensation would be paid to the original landowners in accordance with existing laws. He added that while affected persons could challenge the amount of compensation in court, the revocation itself could not be contested.

Addressing the issue of continued sit-at-home compliance in some markets, the governor directed all local government mayors to monitor market activities from 10 a.m. on every market day, including Mondays. He said shops found closed during business hours should be documented and reported for possible sanctions, including fines, permanent closure or revocation.

He assured traders that the state government would strengthen security within and around markets to address concerns about safety and encourage normal trading activities.

Soludo also disclosed that the government had developed plans in 2023 to redesign and modernise Onitsha Main Market, which he described as being congested with illegal structures. He said the plan was suspended due to the lack of relocation space for traders during the reconstruction period.

According to him, the market will eventually be upgraded with modern facilities to reflect its status as one of the largest markets in West Africa. He said the proposed reforms are intended to serve the long-term interests of traders and residents of the state.

The governor announced a follow-up meeting with leaders of Onitsha Main Market on Friday, January 30, at 11 a.m. at the Light House, New Government House, Awka, to discuss reopening the market or a temporary closure to allow modernisation work to begin.

Leaders present at the meeting included the President-General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna; ASMATA patron and President of Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, Chief Jude Nwankwo; President of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu; and Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chief Okpalugo, among others.