ONITSHA: The proposed demolition and reconstruction of the historic Onitsha Main Market by the Anambra State Government has continued to generate reactions, with civil society organisations calling for wider consultation and clearer transition plans before implementation.
The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to slow down the regeneration process to prevent economic disruption and possible conflict among traders
The state government recently announced plans to demolish and rebuild sections of Onitsha Main Market as part of an urban regeneration initiative aimed at modernising infrastructure, improving safety standards, and restoring the commercial hub’s global competitiveness.
Government officials say the redevelopment project is designed to transform the market into a structured, modern trading environment capable of supporting increased commercial activities while addressing congestion, poor sanitation, fire risks, and aging facilities.
The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader urban renewal agenda across major commercial centres in Anambra State
Reacting to the planned demolition, ACSONet Chairman, Prince Chris Azor, acknowledged ongoing engagement between the government and traders but warned that projects of such magnitude require deeper and more inclusive stakeholder consultation.
According to the group, critical issues surrounding compensation, relocation of traders, allocation of new shops, and guaranteed right of return must be transparently defined before demolition begins.
Azor noted that Onitsha Main Market remains one of West Africa’s largest commercial centres, sustaining thousands of families directly and indirectly.
He cautioned that unclear transition arrangements could lead to resistance, legal disputes, economic losses, and heightened tension within the trading communi
ACSONet urged the state government to publish the full redevelopment master plan, implementation framework, and shop allocation criteria to build trust among affected stakeholders.
The group also recommended the establishment of a joint monitoring platform involving government representatives, trader unions, landlords, transport operators, financial institutions, and independent civil society bodies to supervise each phase of the project.
Urban regeneration should not leave open questions about compensation or traders’ future within the new structure, the statement stressed, adding that inclusive planning remains key to sustainable development.
While many stakeholders agree on the need to modernize the aging market infrastructure, observers say the success of the redevelopment will depend largely on how the government balances infrastructure renewal with protection of traders’ livelihoods.
ACSONet maintained that development initiatives achieve lasting success only when affected communities are adequately consulted, properly informed, and assured of their economic security within the transformation plan.
