Soludo Reopens Nkwo Nnewi Market, Orders Closure of Ihiala Market Over Sit-at-Home Compliance

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reopened the New Motorcycle Spare Parts Market, popularly known as Nkwo Nnewi, one week after it was sealed for failing to comply with the state government’s directive against the Monday sit-at-home.

The market was shut last Monday following an inspection led by the governor’s Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Evaristus Uba. Officials reported low trader turnout, which authorities interpreted as continued observance of the sit-at-home order despite the government’s stance abolishing it. The adviser had warned that the closure would be extended if compliance did not improve.

The restriction was lifted on Monday after the Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Echezona Anazodo, visited the market and observed a significant increase in trading activity.

Anazodo said the improved turnout demonstrated compliance with the government’s directive. He added that authorities would identify and seal shops belonging to traders who failed to open, rather than shutting down the entire market again. According to him, enforcement would now focus on individual defaulters.

In a related development, a market in Ihiala Local Government Area has reportedly been closed for one week over similar non-compliance. Although the state government has not issued a formal statement, sources said officials found the market locked during an inspection, prompting the shutdown.

Ihiala was previously affected by separatist-related unrest at the height of pro-Biafra activities, with criminal groups operating camps in parts of the area. The situation had disrupted commercial activities and heightened security concerns for traders and residents.