Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
Governor of Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the closure of the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market in Nkwo Nnewi over non-compliance with the ban on Monday sit-at-home.
Governor Soludo had earlier this month threatened to take over and revoke ownership of shops and markets that continue to observe the Monday sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ikengaonline gathered that the closure was connected to the failure of traders in the market to comply with the governor’s directive against the sit-at-home order in the state.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the closure was announced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, alongside other officials after routine monitoring.
He disclosed that the market will reopen on Monday, March 2, 2026, and advised traders and customers to stay away from the market until then to avoid issues with law enforcement agents.
He also warned that the market may face further closure if compliance is not substantial by next Monday when it reopens.
The statement read: “Anambra State Government hereby informs the general public that the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market, Nkwo Nnewi, is closed for business.
“The closure takes effect from midnight today, Monday, February 23, 2026, and the market will reopen on Monday, March 2, 2026.
“The closure followed low compliance with Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s order to end Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State.
“The order to close the market was handed down on behalf of the governor by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, in the company of the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd); and the Mayor of Nnewi, Hon. Echezona Anazodo.
“Traders and customers are advised to avoid the market until next Monday to prevent issues with law enforcement agents.
“The market may face further closure if compliance is not substantial by next Monday, when it reopens.
“Meanwhile, normal activities have resumed in Anambra State on Mondays following the governor’s order issued in late January 2026.
