Soludo Moves to Reform Anambra Markets, Announces Fresh Elections, New Code of Conduct

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has announced plans to conduct fresh elections across markets in the state as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, security and economic activities within the market system.

Governor Soludo made the disclosure during a strategic meeting with leaders of the 41 markets in Anambra State, held today May 20, at the Amphitheatre of the Anambra State Light House, Awka.

Addressing the market executives, the governor stated that due to the significant economic and security importance of the markets, government has overriding authority over activities taking place within them.

He explained that the state government had presented two options to the existing market leadership either the current executives would be dissolved for a fresh start, or they would remain in office upon agreeing to and signing a government approved code of conduct guiding market administration and elections.

According to the governor, detailed modalities and guidelines would be released for the conduct of the elections, stressing that only eligible traders who meet stipulated requirements would participate in the process.

“We must know those qualified to vote and those qualified to be voted for. We must also confirm that traders have paid their stallage fees and taxes for the past three years,” Soludo said.

He added that the elections would be conducted market-by-market to ensure total transparency and credibility.

The governor also used the opportunity to educate the market leaders on the newly enacted market law in the state, authorizing the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, to formally read portions of the law to the gathering.

Part of the law, as read during the meeting, provides that all markets classified under “Markets of Significant Economic and Security Interest” must remain open for business every day of the week except Sundays and officially declared public holidays by either the Federal or State Government.

The law further prohibits illegal closure of shops or markets on any business day without reasonable cause.

Section 5, Subsection 2 of the law mandates market executives to conduct regular inspections within their markets and report cases of illegal closure of businesses to the Mayor of the Local Government Area where the market is situated or any other authority designated by government.

The law also prohibits closure of businesses based on directives issued by non-state actors or groups not authorized by government.

Government warned that violators of the law would face severe sanctions, including a minimum jail term of three years or fines not less than N20 million upon conviction by a competent High Court.

Governor Soludo emphasized that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as an excuse, adding that the complete provisions of the law would be forwarded to all markets through their official media platforms.

“Nobody will be allowed to cripple the economy of Anambra State,” the governor declared.

He further said that the state government is committed to repositioning Anambra markets into major commercial destinations capable of attracting traders and investors from across West Africa.

As part of the reform measures, the governor disclosed plans to fully digitalize market operations, including revenue collection processes, noting that market executives would no longer handle cash transactions directly, maintaining that all market leaders must sign the new code of conduct before participating in the forthcoming election process.

Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ben Nwankwo; Commissioner for Commerce, Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu; Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, as well as Mayors of the eight local government areas where the affected markets are located.