On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Onitsha North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State began a demolition exercise targeting illegal structures at the iconic Onitsha Main Market, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs. The operation, which involved heavy machinery such as bulldozers, affected sections including Park 1, Park 2, Park 3, as well as areas along Bright Street, Johnson Street, and Gwomgworo.
According to officials, the exercise aims to restore the market’s original masterplan, reclaim spaces designated for parking and orderly trading, enforce urban planning regulations, and improve overall safety and trading activities. The Onitsha North LGA Chairman, Anthony Nwora (also referred to as Tony Nworah in reports), stated that occupants had been duly notified in advance. An initial 14-day evacuation notice was issued, later extended by another 14 days at the request of affected parties, with the final deadline expiring on February 28, 2026.
The demolition started in the early hours of Sunday, around 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., with security support from police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), military personnel, DSS, and state security agents who barricaded roads leading to the market. Some traders had preemptively removed their goods or partially demolished their own structures on Saturday in anticipation.
The move has sparked significant distress among traders, with reports of tears, lamentations, and outcry over lost livelihoods and goods. Critics, including market associations and some Igbo elders from the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, have appealed to Governor Soludo to halt further action, warning of potential economic hardship and humanitarian issues. Reports indicate that over 10,000 shops were marked for demolition in the broader plan.
The exercise proceeded despite a recent High Court order from Justice Joseph Ifeanyi Nweze restraining the state government from demolishing the market pending the determination of a substantive suit. Traders and observers have described the action as defiant of the court ruling, heightening tensions.
Governor Soludo has previously described such interventions as necessary for long-term market regeneration and urban renewal. Some reports mention ongoing or planned meetings with affected traders to discuss reconstruction efforts. The demolition is expected to continue, with implications for the market’s operations and the thousands of businesses reliant on it.
