In order to resolve the shutdown of Onitsha Main Market in the best interests of the populace, the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture has encouraged Governor Charles Soludo to engage in conversation.
The chamber stated that it has taken note of Mr. Soludo’s recent order to close the Onitsha Main Market for one week in response to the ongoing Monday sit-at-home.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its president, Chinedu Nwonu, ONICCIMA acknowledged the government’s constitutional obligation to foster an environment that allows businesses to flourish without compromising its anticipated internally generated revenue.
In addition, our state government upholds economic stability, law, and order in accordance with the constitution, preventing non-state players from controlling Anambra’s commercial life.
According to government data, sit-at-home activities are estimated to cost the South-East area ₦19.6 billion every week, of which Anambra State is responsible for nearly ₦8 billion.
“The Chamber notes that the state risks drifting towards economic dislocation and instability with such a huge and recurring economic drain, a situation no responsible government can afford to condone,” he stated.
However, Mr. Nwonu pointed out that the chamber was in favor of swift measures to restore legitimate commercial activity since they felt it was necessary to highlight the serious economic and social repercussions of extended market closures as a form of punishment.
He listed a number of negative consequences of the market closure, such as supply chain disruption, declining investor confidence, public worry and social unrest, and implications on homes and livelihoods.
He insisted that manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers across the country would be impacted if market activities continued to be disrupted.
He emphasized that a shortage of goods, increased transportation costs, and inflationary pressures that eventually impact consumers could result from the market’s shutdown.
In order to serve the interests of the people and the state’s economy as a whole, the president urged the government to strike a balance between power and cooperation, security and economic sensitivity, and enforcement and communication.
Additionally, he tasked the Anambra government with rebuilding trust, safeguarding companies, and making sure Onitsha Main Market resumes regular Monday through Saturday operations in a sustainable, safe, and secure way.
