…the Onitsha Main Market demolition is believed to be part of broader efforts by the state to decongest major commercial centres.
ONITSHA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times | The Onitsha Main Market demolition exercise has officially commenced as the Anambra State Government, through Onitsha North Local Government Area, began pulling down illegal structures inside the commercial hub following the expiration of its March 1 deadline.
The iNews Times gathered that officials of Onitsha North LGA moved into the market at about 12:15am today March 1 to begin enforcement, marking the implementation phase of a directive that had been preceded by more than one month of evacuation notices to affected traders and shop owners.
The action follows earlier reports by The iNews Times that the state government had given traders until March 1 to voluntarily remove unauthorized extensions and illegal structures or face demolition.
One-Month Evacuation Notice Preceded Action
Authorities said the demolition was not sudden, noting that traders had been served effective evacuation notices well over a month ago.
The government had insisted that structures erected outside approved building plans, including extensions blocking access routes and drainage channels, would be removed to restore order, safety and sanitation within the market.
Sunday’s development signals the enforcement of that directive, as enforcement teams began dismantling affected structures in compliance with the state’s urban regulation framework.
The Onitsha Main Market demolition is believed to be part of broader efforts by the state government to decongest major commercial centres and enforce environmental standards.
Traders React as Enforcement Begins
While details of resistance or compliance were still emerging at the time of filing this report, traders had earlier expressed mixed reactions to the planned exercise.
Some shop owners reportedly began voluntary removals ahead of the deadline, while others were said to be awaiting last-minute government intervention before enforcement commenced.
The market, widely regarded as one of the largest commercial centres in West Africa, plays a critical role in the economy of Anambra State and the Southeast region.
Officials have maintained that the exercise is aimed at restoring order rather than disrupting legitimate businesses.
More details are expected as the Onitsha Main Market demolition progresses.
