A bill for the establishment, regulation and management of market and for connected purposes has been passed into law at the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The Executive bill was passed during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, after it scaled first, second, and third readings following the invocation of Section 14, Subsection 74(1) of the House Standing Orders, on Tuesday.
Leading the debate on the bill, the Majority Leader, Sir. Ikenna Ofodeme, described it as timely, noting that Anambra remains a major commercial hub whose economic strength must be protected.
Hon. Ofodeme who is the lawmaker representing Ekwusigo Constituency
explained that the bill is designed to check activities that disrupt business operations, particularly the enforcement of unlawful sit-at-home directives, which have negatively affected trade and internally generated revenue.
According to Ofodeme, the bill provides for the establishment, regulation, and proper management of markets across the state, while also designating about forty major markets as areas of significant economic and security interest.
The lawmaker emphasized that the Law is a strategic response to the illegal “Monday Sit-At-Home” orders that have historically hampered the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
In his submission, the member representing Idemili North Constituency, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, noted that the law further empowers the Governor to extend such security designations to motor parks and other business premises when necessary.
Udemezue maintained that the bill also
aims at strengthening economic activities and address the impact of the illegal Monday sit-at-home across the state.
Under the new law, traders operating within the designated markets are required to open for business daily except on Sundays and public holidays.
The law further mandates that all market developments must strictly adhere to the state’s Physical Planning and Building Control regulations to avoid demolition.
It also mandates market executives to keep comprehensive records of traders and carry out periodic inspections to ensure compliance and prevent criminal activities within market environments.
The legislation prescribes strict penalties for defaulters, including fines and possible imprisonment for individuals or business owners who comply with illegal directives capable of undermining economic stability.
Mandatory Operations: Businesses within these markets must remain open every day of the week except Sundays and public holidays.
Executive Supervision: Market executives are required to maintain a comprehensive register of all traders and conduct monthly inspections to ensure no criminal activities or “unauthorized instructions” are being followed within the premises.
Strict Penalties: Any business owner who complies with illegal sit-at-home orders or takes instructions from proscribed groups faces up to three years imprisonment or a fine of ₦20 million.
The new law officially designates 40 major markets – including the Onitsha Main Market, Ariaria-line (Agba Edo) Nnewi, Nkwo Umunze amongst others.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the law will come into effect from March 25th 2026
The House adjourned and to reconvene on Thursday March 26.
