By VIVIAN EMONI

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has appealed to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra to reconsider the one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market.

The appeal is contained in a letter written by the ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the market has been shut since Jan. 26, as part of efforts to enforce compliance with Monday trading and curb economic sabotage.

Obegolu commended the governor for his commitment to restoring full economic activity in the state, particularly by addressing the persistent Monday sit-at-home observance.

“We fully recognise and commend your excellency’s unwavering commitment to restoring full economic activity in Anambra, particularly by addressing the persistent Monday sit-at-home observance.

“The situation 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,” he said.

The ACCI president described Onitsha Main Market as one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs.

According to him, the market serves as a major centre for interstate trade, manufacturing inputs and distribution of consumer goods.

He said that millions of Nigerians depended directly or indirectly on activities in the market for their livelihoods, adding that the temporary closure had resulted in severe hardship for traders and Small and SMEs.

“The situation has also affected transporters and their families. Many affected operators worked on thin margins and lacked 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,” he said.

Obegolu urged the Anambra Government to consider an early and phased reopening of the market, possibly ahead of the initial one-week period.

He said that such reopening could be tied to verifiable commitments by market leadership and traders to operate fully on Mondays and every business day henceforth.

He also called for dialogue involving market unions, government officials, security agencies and private sector groups.

According to him, such engagement will help to develop sustainable and confidence-building measures for safe trading.

Obegolu further urged the government to provide short-term support for affected traders, suggesting relief measures or access to low-interest credit to cushion losses during the transition period.

He said that the chamber was ready to participate in discussions to ensure a balanced resolution.

He expressed confidence that a solution would protect public order, while sustaining the economic vitality of Onitsha Main Market. (NAN)

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