Monday Sit-at-Home: Anambra State Government Orders One-Week Closure of Nkwo Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market

The Anambra State Government has directed the closure of the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market at Nkwo Nnewi over what it described as inadequate compliance with the directive ending the Monday sit-at-home in the state.

The shutdown takes effect from midnight on Monday, February 23, 2026, and will run until Monday, March 2, 2026.

The decision was announced on behalf of Governor Charles Soludo by the Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba. He was joined by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor; the Special Adviser on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd); and the Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo.

Officials said the action followed what they termed low adherence by traders to the governor’s January 2026 directive requiring the full resumption of business activities on Mondays across Anambra State.

Traders and customers have been instructed to stay away from the market during the closure period. The government warned that anyone who disregards the order risks confrontation with security agencies enforcing the directive.

Authorities also indicated that the market could face a longer shutdown if there is no significant improvement in compliance when it reopens next week.

In late January, Governor Soludo moved to enforce the cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home, stating that economic and social activities must proceed without disruption. As part of that effort, the government shut down Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders failed to comply with the order.

Security agencies sealed the Onitsha market at the time, with the state government warning that further sanctions would follow continued non-compliance.

State authorities maintain that compliance has improved in several parts of Anambra since the enforcement measures began.