A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene, has urged Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to reconsider the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market and instead engage relevant stakeholders to resolve the situation through dialogue.

Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Awka, following the state government’s decision to shut the market over traders’ refusal to open on Monday, in defiance of the ban on sit-at-home activities linked to solidarity actions for IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The lawmaker warned that the closure would worsen economic hardship for thousands of traders and negatively affect the state’s economy. He said a more consultative and diplomatic approach would have been preferable to the abrupt enforcement action.

The governor’s directive sparked public outrage and protests in Onitsha, leading to a near-total shutdown of the city, a major commercial hub and transit corridor for the South East and South South regions.

Ogene questioned the approach adopted by the state government, noting that greater sensitisation and engagement with market leaders and business stakeholders could have helped secure compliance with the ban on sit-at-home orders. He cited the relatively peaceful Christmas period as evidence of improved security conditions in the state.

According to him, available data indicates that the Onitsha Main Market loses about ₦8 billion every Monday it remains closed, warning that a full week shutdown would have severe consequences for traders and the wider economy. He also expressed concern over losses associated with perishable goods stored in the market.

The lawmaker further noted that the Onitsha market attracts traders from across West Africa on a daily basis, adding that the sudden closure could strand foreign traders in the state and project a negative image of Nigeria at a time the government is seeking to attract foreign investment.

Ogene called on Governor Soludo to urgently consult with stakeholders and consider a phased reopening of the market ahead of the one-week deadline, arguing that such an approach would reduce economic losses, ease public tension and prevent further social unrest in the state.