News
Anambra Govt Begins Fresh Demolition of Illegal Structures in Onitsha Main Market, Insists on Major Redevelopment
By Our Reporter
ONITSHA– The Anambra State Government has commenced another phase of demolition of illegal shanties and makeshift structures within the Main Market, Onitsha, as part of its ongoing urban renewal and market redevelopment programme aimed at transforming the commercial hub into a modern megacity.
The demolition exercise, which began on Saturday, July 26, was carried out by the Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and forms part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s broader urban regeneration agenda designed to improve infrastructure, restore order, and create a safer environment for traders and residents.
The latest exercise covers several strategic sections of the market, including Bright Street, Johnson Street, and Sokoto Road, where extensive renovation and redevelopment works are expected to commence.
Speaking with journalists during the operation, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, said the demolition became necessary because many of the affected structures had illegally encroached on public spaces and obstructed both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
“Most of these shanties were built on the right of way, making movement difficult for motorists and pedestrians. We must create the necessary corridors for expansion and ensure proper physical planning in line with the state’s development blueprint,” Ojukwu stated.
The commissioner stressed that the exercise was not a surprise to affected occupants, noting that the government had issued adequate notices before enforcement commenced.
According to him, the redevelopment project has already received the approval of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, with contracts awarded for the comprehensive renovation and modernization of the affected sections of the market.
He explained that the initiative is expected to transform the Main Market into a world-class commercial centre capable of supporting increased business activities while enhancing safety, sanitation, accessibility, and overall aesthetics.
The President-General of the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, threw his weight behind the government’s action, describing the redevelopment project as a landmark intervention that will benefit traders and future generations.
“This project is a welcome development. We urge all traders to cooperate fully with the government and support the ongoing transformation of our markets. The future benefits far outweigh the temporary inconveniences,” Anuna said.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as the slow response by some traders to earlier evacuation directives, urging those yet to comply to do so in order to avoid unnecessary losses during the enforcement exercise.
The ongoing redevelopment is part of the Soludo administration’s commitment to reposition Onitsha—one of West Africa’s largest commercial cities—through improved urban planning, decongestion of public spaces, and the construction of modern market infrastructure that meets global standards.
Government officials have maintained that the exercise is intended to restore order, improve accessibility, and create a cleaner, safer, and more business-friendly environment for traders and visitors alike.