Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is scheduled to meet with chairmen and secretaries of markets across the state on Thursday, January 29, following the continued observance of sit-at-home orders by traders despite official government directives.

A letter issued by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce and signed on behalf of the commissioner by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Mr. Evarist Uba, disclosed that the meeting will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka.

According to a senior government source, the meeting was not convened as a response to Tuesday’s protest by traders or as an act of government concession. Rather, it followed appeals from some market leaders who reached out to the state government, urging the reopening of markets.

The invitation letter stated that the President-General of the Anambra State Market Traders Association (ASMATA), alongside all market, zonal, and line chairmen and secretaries, are expected to attend what was described as a crucial meeting with the governor on matters of urgent importance.

The letter further specified that the meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the ICC in Awka.

Tension had earlier gripped Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday after the governor ordered the forceful closure of the market, with heavy security presence deployed to enforce the directive.

While traders have cited the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu as the reason for their adherence to the sit-at-home order, market leaders later approached the state government to seek leniency and the reopening of commercial activities.

It was also gathered that the meeting will be under tight security, with all participants subjected to screening measures to prevent any attempt by separatist elements to disrupt or hijack the proceedings.