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The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has issued a strong appeal to traders and market leaders across Nigeria’s South-East to immediately end the weekly Monday sit-at-home, warning that the protest has lost its impact and is now inflicting devastating economic harm on ordinary people.
In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, NANTS said the shutdown—originally introduced as a political protest in solidarity with the detained IPOB leader—has failed to influence federal policy while crippling commerce, livelihoods and regional confidence.
Sit-At-Home Is Fading—But Fresh Tensions Could Revive It
NANTS acknowledged that insecurity linked to the Monday shutdown has been declining in recent months, noting the massive return of Igbo families to the South-East during the 2025 Christmas season and the largely peaceful festivities across the region.
However, the association warned that recent actions by Anambra State authorities could dangerously reverse that progress.
NANTS Slams Soludo Over Onitsha Market Closure
The traders’ body condemned the forceful closure of Onitsha Main Market by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, describing it as a “show of power” that lacks wisdom, tact and diplomacy.
According to NANTS, the move risks reopening old wounds, provoking trader resistance and re-energising the fading sit-at-home observance across the South-East.
The association contrasted the situation with the recent political intervention that secured the pardon and return of Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho, arguing that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu reflects a failure of South-East political leadership to speak with one voice.
“Closing Onitsha market is like pouring petrol on fire,” NANTS warned, saying the action could attract renewed sympathy, solidarity protests and insecurity across neighbouring states.
Security Agencies Accused of Complicating Crisis
Beyond the market closure, NANTS accused some security agencies in the South-East of worsening the problem by prioritising illegal toll collection over genuine security, thereby discouraging free movement of goods, traders and transporters—even on Mondays.
Key Demands: Reopen Markets, Release Kanu, Protect Traders
NANTS called on Governor Soludo to immediately de-escalate tensions, withdraw force and reopen Onitsha Main Market. It also urged security agencies to abandon extortion practices and provide real protection that would encourage traders to resume business safely.
The association further appealed to South-East governors to unite politically and actively pursue the release of Nnamdi Kanu, while proposing innovative incentives—such as mandating government procurement in local markets on Mondays—to revive trading activities.
Monday Shutdowns Bleeding Southeast Economy Dry
NANTS revealed that repeated Monday closures have resulted in multi-trillion-naira losses across the South-East, including:
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Massive income losses for traders and daily wage earners
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Declining state internally generated revenue (IGR)
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Job losses and SME collapses
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Disrupted education and healthcare access
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Rising cost of goods due to supply interruptions
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Heightened fear driving away local and foreign investors
The association added that foreign traders from West and Central Africa have largely abandoned South-East markets due to fear and uncertainty—deepening the region’s economic isolation.
“The Government Is Unmoved—The People Are Bleeding”
NANTS stressed that despite years of shutdowns, federal authorities remain unmoved, while the economic pain is borne entirely by traders, transporters, families and vulnerable households.
“The sit-at-home hurts our people, not the institutions it targets,” the association said, urging a rethink and a shift to peaceful, non-destructive forms of protest.
Final Appeal to Traders
NANTS appealed directly to traders and market leaders to:
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End the Monday sit-at-home immediately
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Reopen markets and rebuild buyer confidence
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Work with communities and security agencies to ensure safe trading
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Adopt protest strategies that do not destroy livelihoods
NANTS Pledges Continued Advocacy
The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending traders’ interests, exposing coercive actors, restoring lost customers—especially foreign buyers—and ensuring traders’ voices are represented in policymaking.
“We call on our brothers and sisters in the South-East to choose livelihoods over shutdowns. The time to rebuild our commerce-driven economy is now,” the statement concluded.
Signed:
Barr. Benjamin Izuchukwu Uzuegbu
Legal Officer, NANTS (Abuja Headquarters)