Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reached an agreement with leaders of Onitsha Main Market, vowing to restructure and strengthen security arrangements at the commercial hub following rising concerns over crime, extortion, and trader safety.
The agreement was reached after a closed-door meeting between the governor, officials of the state government, and representatives of the Onitsha Main Market Traders Association (OMMATA). The talks followed weeks of tension over security lapses and allegations of illegal levies imposed on traders by criminal elements operating within and around the market.
Speaking after the meeting, Soludo said the state government would immediately begin implementing a new security framework tailored specifically for major markets across Anambra, starting with Onitsha Main Market—the largest market in West Africa.
“We have agreed on a clear roadmap to restore order, protect traders, and eliminate criminal activities in and around the market,” Soludo said. “Markets must be safe spaces for commerce, not zones of fear.”
Key Elements of the Agreement
According to government officials, the agreement includes:
Deployment of joint security patrols involving the police, civil defence, and state-backed security outfits
Installation of surveillance cameras and improved lighting across strategic market locations
Dismantling of illegal levy points and clampdown on touts and extortion rings
Creation of a market-led security liaison committee to ensure constant communication between traders and security agencies
Market leaders also committed to cooperating fully with security agencies and providing intelligence on criminal activities within the market.
Traders Welcome Security Reset
Leaders of OMMATA welcomed the governor’s intervention, describing it as timely and necessary. They said insecurity had begun to affect business confidence, especially among traders who travel from other parts of the country to Onitsha.
“Our members want peace and stability,” an OMMATA executive said. “With proper security and government support, this market can function at its full potential again.”
Broader Economic Implications
Analysts say restoring security at Onitsha Main Market is critical to Anambra’s economy and regional trade, given the market’s role as a major distribution centre for goods across the South-East, South-South, and parts of the North.
Soludo reiterated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to formalise commerce, boost internally generated revenue through lawful means, and protect livelihoods.
“This is about economic confidence,” he said. “When traders feel safe, businesses grow, jobs are created, and the economy thrives.”
Implementation of the new security measures is expected to begin immediately, with periodic reviews involving both government officials and market stakeholders.
