Governor Chukwuma Soludo has issued a firm warning to market leaders in Anambra State, stating that his government has the legal power to revoke market lands if it serves the 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 in Awka.
Soludo said the law gives him authority to take over any market premises if overriding public interest demands it.
According to him, such land could be repurposed for projects like modern schools or Agunechemba security offices.
He explained that compensation would be paid where necessary. However, he stressed that disputes could only be over compensation amounts, not the revocation itself.
He said, for instance, affected individuals could “go to court to contest the amount paid for compensation and not the revocation.”
Moreover, the governor directed all local government chairmen to closely monitor trading activities across markets. He instructed them to inspect shops by 10 a.m. on every market day, including Mondays.
Shops found closed during official trading hours, he said, would be reported to him. Consequently, sanctions could follow, including fines, permanent closure, or outright revocation.
However, Soludo assured traders that security concerns would be addressed. He promised increased protection within and around market premises to restore confidence and improve daily business activities.
Meanwhile, the governor revisited the long-discussed plan to modernise Onitsha Main Market. He disclosed that a redesign had been completed in 2023 but was suspended due to relocation challenges.
He said the market is currently overcrowded with illegal structures and shanties. However, relocation remains a major hurdle.
“Government will eventually modernise the market and equip it with modern facilities,” Soludo said, adding that the goal is to reflect its status as West Africa’s largest market.
“All these our efforts are geared towards the best interest of the traders, our children and our grandchildren,” he added.
Furthermore, Soludo summoned leaders of Onitsha Main Market to a crucial meeting scheduled for Friday, January 30, at the Light House, New Government House, Awka. The meeting will discuss reopening plans or a temporary closure to allow modernisation.
