The Anambra State Government has intensified its efforts to eliminate the Monday sit-at-home order by extending enforcement to traders in 12 additional major markets.

The government has directed these traders to resume full business operations on Mondays or risk temporary closure of their markets.

This escalation follows the one-week shutdown of Onitsha Main Market earlier this week due to non-compliance with the directive.

In a circular signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, the government listed the newly affected markets.

These include Ochanja Central Market, Bridgehead Market, Ogbaru Main Market, Building Materials Market Ogidi, Agba-Edo Auto Spare Parts Market Nnewi, and various motor parts and main markets in Nnewi, Nkpor, and Obosi.

The circular, titled “Abolishment of Monday Sit-at-Home,” was addressed to leaders of markets under the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association.

It warns that government monitoring teams will conduct random inspections, and any market found non-compliant will be shut down for one month.

“Any shop that is not open will be sealed by government officials, and the occupant may face legal action,” the directive stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Charles Soludo has scheduled a meeting with market leaders for Thursday, January 29, at the International Convention Centre in Awka to discuss the sit-at-home policy.

The government clarified that the meeting was requested by some market leaders appealing for the reopening of Onitsha Main Market, not in response to Tuesday’s protest.

A government source indicated that security will be heightened at the venue to prevent disruptions as the state intensifies efforts to restore normal economic activity.