Soludo Orders Immediate Remodelling of Onitsha Main Market to Boost Commerce and Safety
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has directed the immediate remodelling of Onitsha Main Market, one of Nigeria’s largest commercial hubs, in a bid to modernise infrastructure, improve safety conditions, and stimulate economic activity in the region.
Governor Soludo announced the decision following consultations with market leaders, traders’ associations, and government officials, emphasizing the need to overhaul the aging structures and facilities that have long struggled to meet the demands of the market’s bustling trade environment.
According to the governor’s office, the remodelling exercise will include the reconstruction of walkways, expansion of drainage systems, renovation of roofed stalls, improved access roads, and modern waste management solutions. Officials say these upgrades are critical to addressing longstanding challenges within the market, including flooding during rainy seasons, congestion, and fire hazards.
Speaking on the initiative, Governor Soludo described Onitsha Main Market as a vital economic engine not only for Anambra State but for the entire southeastern region. He said the remodelling will enhance the market’s capacity to support business activities while ensuring a safer and more conducive environment for traders and customers alike.
“The Onitsha Main Market is central to the commercial life of our state and region. Its infrastructure must reflect the scale and importance of its contribution to our economy. This remodelling is a necessary investment in the future of our traders and the prosperity of Anambra State,” Soludo stated.
Market leaders welcomed the governor’s directive, describing it as a long-awaited development that could transform the way business is conducted at the facility. They expressed optimism that the remodelling would attract more customers, reduce operational challenges for traders, and position the market competitively among other major markets in Nigeria.
Traders also called for clear timelines and robust engagement to ensure minimal disruption during the remodelling process. Some expressed eagerness to participate in planning discussions so that the upgrades reflect practical needs on the ground.
Anambra State officials say the project will be implemented in phases to allow parts of the market to remain operational during construction. The government is expected to release detailed plans and schedules as contractors are mobilised to begin work.
The remodelling order aligns with broader efforts by Governor Soludo’s administration to improve infrastructure, enhance urban planning, and drive economic growth across the state. It also reflects ongoing commitments to support small and medium-sized enterprises, which constitute a significant portion of the state’s economic landscape.
As preparations begin, residents and traders in Onitsha are watching closely, hopeful that the remodelling will usher in a new era of modernisation and prosperity for one of Nigeria’s most iconic markets.
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