The Anambra State Government and traders at the Onitsha Main Market have reached an agreement to commence a phased remodelling of the market, aimed at upgrading infrastructure, restoring order, and repositioning the commercial hub to meet modern standards.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo disclosed this on Friday following an extensive dialogue with leaders and representatives of the Onitsha Main Market and adjoining markets at the Government House, Awka.
According to the governor, the engagement produced a consensus to begin immediate intervention works, with the remodelling to be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to trading activities.
Soludo said the decision reflects the need for leadership to sometimes take difficult but necessary actions in order to safeguard long-term economic sustainability.
“Leadership requires taking inconvenient decisions to secure the future,” the governor said, adding that the objective is to reposition Onitsha Main Market to compete at global standards.
Scope of the remodelling project
The governor outlined key components of the emergency intervention, which include the reclamation of market parks, restoration of walkways, and the construction of public conveniences to improve sanitation and ease of movement within the market.
Other aspects of the remodelling plan involve the repainting and colour-coding of shops and trading lines, as well as the removal of illegal structures that obstruct access routes and compromise safety.
Soludo explained that the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader urban development agenda, which prioritises planned, organised, and sustainable cities, communities, and markets across Anambra State.
He noted that Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, plays a critical role in the state’s economy and must be upgraded to support modern commerce, safety standards, and environmental sustainability.
Traders back phased approach
Earlier, the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Mr Chijioke Okpalugo, told the governor that traders had agreed to the phased remodelling approach proposed by the state government.
According to Okpalugo, traders recognised the need for improvements but stressed the importance of allowing adequate time to adjust to the changes.
He appealed to the state government to grant traders sufficient time to relocate goods and dismantle structures affected by the planned interventions, particularly those built illegally within restricted areas.
The phased approach, he said, would help traders continue their businesses while adjustments are being made, reducing economic losses and tension.
Balancing development and commerce
The remodelling agreement comes amid heightened sensitivities surrounding market operations in Onitsha, following previous disruptions linked to security concerns and sit-at-home directives in the South-East.
Governor Soludo emphasised that the current intervention is strictly developmental and not punitive, stressing that the goal is to create a safer, cleaner, and more organised trading environment for all stakeholders.
State officials say further consultations will continue with market unions and relevant agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the project.
When completed, the remodelling is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, boost sanitation, and strengthen Onitsha Main Market’s position as a major commercial centre in Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
