The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has urged Governor Charles Soludo to use dialogue to resolve the closure of Onitsha Main Market in the interest of the people.

The chamber said that it has taken note of the recent one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market ordered by Mr Soludo following the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home.

In a statement signed by its president, Chinedu Nwonu, on Wednesday, ONICCIMA said it recognised the constitutional responsibility of the government to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, without impairing its projected internally generated revenue.

“Equally, our state government constitutionally maintains law, order, and economic stability, ensuring that non-state actors do not dictate the commercial life of Anambra.

“Government records show that the South-East region reportedly loses about ₦19.6 billion weekly as a result of sit-at-home activities, with Anambra State accounting for approximately ₦8 billion of that loss.

“With such a huge and recurring economic drain, the Chamber observes that the state risks drifting towards economic dislocation and instability, a situation no responsible government can afford to condone,” he said.

Mr Nwonu, however, noted that the chamber supported decisive actions aimed at restoring lawful economic activity, as they considered it imperative to draw urgent attention to the grave economic and social consequences of prolonged market closures as a punitive measure.

He highlighted the adverse effects of the market closure as including: disruption of the supply chain; erosion of investor confidence; social tension and public anxiety; impact on livelihoods and households, among others.

He maintained that continued disruption of the market operations would affect manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers nationwide.

He stressed that the closure of the market could lead to a shortage of goods, higher transportation costs, and inflationary pressures that ultimately affect consumers.

The president called on the government to balance enforcement with dialogue, security with economic sensitivity, and authority with partnership in the collective interests of the people and the state’s economy.

He also charged the Anambra government to restore confidence, protect businesses, and ensure the full return of Onitsha Main Market to normal Monday-to-Saturday operations in a safe, secure, and sustainable manner.

(NAN)