Soludo Introduces Mandatory Attendance Register in Anambra Markets

The Anambra State Government has introduced a compulsory attendance register for traders in all markets across the state as part of measures to ensure full market operations, especially on Mondays.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced the directive on Thursday during a meeting with market leaders, line chairmen and other stakeholders at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Awka.

Attendance was taken at the meeting, which followed the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and other related concerns.

Under the new arrangement, line leaders in each market will be responsible for recording daily attendance of traders, while Local Government Chairmen will collect the registers every Monday by 10:00 a.m.

Governor Soludo described the current state of the Onitsha Main Market as unsightly and revealed that his administration is considering a complete redevelopment of the market.

He explained that the government is reviewing plans to demolish the existing structures and replace them with a modern market complex equipped with improved facilities such as spacious motor parks, walkways and upgraded infrastructure. He noted that a proposed design had been submitted to him more than three years ago.

The governor also expressed concern over the continued Monday market closures linked to the sit-at-home order in the South-East, stressing that such actions were unjustifiable.

Soludo recalled visiting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the Kuje Correctional Centre alongside other Igbo leaders, including Prof. Pat Utomi, to discuss the issue. According to him, Kanu later directed his lawyers to publicly dissociate him from the sit-at-home directive.

“There is no justification for locking up markets, especially when the Onitsha Main Market alone has over 150 security personnel,” Soludo said.

He warned that traders who refuse to open their shops on Mondays risk losing the land on which their shops are built.

“Traders have the right not to open their shops, but I also have the right to revoke the land if they refuse to do business on Mondays,” he stated.

Soludo noted that market closures do not significantly affect the state’s revenue, as stallage fees are paid annually, but insisted that the government’s priority remains the welfare and livelihood of the people.

In response to concerns raised by market leaders, the governor promised to strengthen security measures in markets across the state, assuring traders of increased deployment of security personnel on Mondays to address fears and ensure compliance.

“We are going to work with you. Security is not just about guns; it is also about will and mindset,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that all motor parks in Anambra have been directed to operate on Mondays, warning that any park that fails to comply will be shut down for one week.

Soludo further declared that anyone enforcing Monday shop or market closures is aiding criminal elements destabilising the South-East.

“Anybody found closing shops on Mondays will be treated as a criminal. We cannot harbour criminals in Anambra State,” he warned.

He urged residents and traders to report threats or intimidation, assuring them that security agencies would track down and arrest offenders.

“If anyone sends you threatening messages, forward them to us. We will get those criminals, and we will provide additional security personnel,” Soludo added.