Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday
A sense of cautious economic renewal returned to Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State on Monday as traders reopened their shops and commercial activities picked up following weeks of disruption linked to the sit-at-home order that had left the once-bustling market unusually quiet on Mondays. Photographs and reports from the scene show rows of open shops, traders engaging with customers and a gradually growing flow of buyers in one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, suggesting that normal activity is taking hold once more, Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
The reopening comes after weeks of tensions between market traders and state authorities over compliance with directives aimed at ending the Monday sit-at-home observance, a routine of restricted movement and closed businesses heavily associated with civil disobedience in parts of the South-East. Last week, Governor Chukwuma Soludo had ordered a one-week closure of the market to enforce compliance with his call for traders to resume business — a controversial move that stirred protest and debate across the region. 
By mid-morning on Monday, traders were seen unlocking shutters and arranging goods in key areas of the market, including Lagos Line, Ado Line, Mandela Line and White House Line, among others. Many shop owners reported that the mood, though tentative, was hopeful, with buyers trickling in to shop for fabrics, electronics, foodstuffs and other daily goods, Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
Return to Normalcy — What the Photos Show
Photographs from the market — widely shared on social media and captured by news photographers — depict a stark contrast with blank shop fronts and deserted alleys from previous Mondays. Images show:
• Traders sweeping their shop floors and arranging merchandise as early as 8:45am. 
• Customers walking through aisles and haggling with sellers in traditionally busy sections of the market. 
• Groups of artisans and food vendors setting up stalls after weeks of absence. 
The scenes echo what was described by a local news outlet as a “return to normal Monday activity” in Onitsha, with visuals of open shops and business interactions marking a break from the silence that had dominated the area,Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
Context: Sit-At-Home and Government Response
The Monday sit-at-home order — first observed in 2021 and widely linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement — had regularly kept traders, commuters and students confined to homes on Mondays in several South-East states, including Anambra. Critics of the order have long argued that it cripples local economies, deters investors and hinders educational progress, Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
Governor Soludo’s decision to temporarily shut down the Onitsha Main Market last week followed several directives urging traders to open their shops despite the sit-at-home calls. The closure was intended as a measure to discourage compliance with the sit-at-home order and break the pattern of weekly economic paralysis. The governor had warned that further non-compliance could lead to additional sanctions, Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
The market’s reopening on Monday was accompanied by a visible presence of security officials, including police and other state security agencies, tasked with ensuring safety and maintaining order while traders resumed activities. This deployment aimed to reassure traders and customers that the environment was secure for business. 
Economic Significance of Onitsha Market’s Monday Revival
Onitsha Main Market is not only a commercial hub for Anambra State but also one of the busiest retail and wholesale centres in West Africa. Its significance extends beyond local trade; goods from Onitsha flow to markets across Nigeria and neighboring countries, Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
Economists and business leaders have repeatedly emphasised that extended Monday closures have dented income streams for traders and slowed the rhythm of commerce. A return to regular weekly trading is expected to boost revenue recovery, stimulate supply chains and reinforce customer confidence in the local economy.
Some traders noted that even though Monday’s activity was slower compared to other weekdays, the sight of open shops was itself a milestone. Many said buyers began arriving soon after traders set up, adding that customers were eager to support the revival of Monday commerce, Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
Voices From the Market
One trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed relief at being able to resume without fear. “When I opened my shop and saw customers come in, I felt hopeful again,” she said. “We have endured a lot on Mondays for years, but today feels like a reset, Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday”
Market associations also welcomed the return to normal activities. Leaders of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) hailed the resilience of traders and urged others to embrace consistent trading throughout the week, affirming that collective economic activity is key to Onitsha’s recovery. 
https://ogelenews.ng/photos-onitsha-market-sees-normal-activity-traders-…
Opposing Views and Ongoing Tensions
Not everyone agrees on the narrative of a full return to commerce. A statement from IPOB dismissed reports of widespread market reopening, insisting that compliance with the sit-at-home order remained “total” and that markets and streets were deserted. Observers note this reflects the deep social and political tensions still at play in the region, Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
These conflicting claims highlight the broader challenge of restoring public confidence while balancing the enforcement of state directives and respect for civil liberties. For now, the visual evidence of open shops and trading activity offers a tangible sign of change on the ground. 
Why It Matters
The story “PHOTOS: Again, Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday” captures more than just images of a busy market; it reflects a possible shift in economic patterns after years of disruption. As traders, customers and authorities negotiate the path forward, the scenes from Onitsha on Monday represent a significant moment in the state’s broader effort to reclaim commercial vitality and restore routine economic life.
https://punchng.com/video-onitsha-market-sees-normal-activity-as-many-shops-open-on-monday
Photos Onitsha market sees normal activity as traders open on Monday.
