Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has declared that he has the constitutional power to revoke the land on which Onitsha Main Market and other markets in the state are located and repurpose them for projects of overriding public interest.
Soludo made the statement on Thursday during a meeting with leaders of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) at the International Conference Centre, Awka.
According to the governor, the law empowers him to revoke market lands and use them for public projects, including the construction of modern schools or Agunechemba security offices, if such actions serve the public good.
He explained that while compensation would be paid to the original landowners, anyone dissatisfied with the amount could approach the court to challenge the compensation, but not the revocation itself.
“As governor, I have the power under the law to revoke any land for overriding public interest. I can decide to build a school here, or turn it into security offices. Compensation will be paid, and if anyone disagrees with the amount, the court is open,” Soludo said.
The governor also directed all local government chairmen to begin monitoring market activities from 10 a.m. on every market day, including Mondays. He said any shop found closed without justification would be recorded and could face permanent closure, fines, or outright revocation.
Soludo assured traders that the government would strengthen security in and around all market premises to address fears of insecurity and restore confidence among traders.
He revealed that the state government had earlier designed a plan to redesign and modernise the Onitsha Main Market in 2023, noting that the market is currently overcrowded with shanties and illegal structures.
However, he said the project was temporarily shelved because there was no suitable location to relocate traders during reconstruction.
The governor stated that the market would eventually be modernised and equipped with world-class facilities to reflect its status as the largest market in West Africa.
“All our efforts are in the best interest of the traders, our children, and our grandchildren,” he said.
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Soludo also summoned leaders of Onitsha Main Market to a round-table meeting scheduled for Friday, January 30, at 11 a.m. at the Light House, New Government House, Awka, to discuss modalities for reopening the market or a possible temporary closure to allow modernisation work to begin.
Market leaders present at the meeting included the President-General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna; Patron of ASMATA and President of Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, Chief Jude Nwankwo; President of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu; and Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chief Okpalugo, among others.
