By Ekweaga Uzoma
The Anambra State Commissioner for Housing, Arc. Henry Arize, has defended the ongoing regeneration of the Onitsha Main Market, describing the intervention by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration as a bold and necessary measure to restore the market’s former glory. He dismissed allegations that the exercise was improperly executed, insisting that the project was designed to address longstanding infrastructural and environmental challenges.
Arc. Arize made the clarification during a meeting with media practitioners on October 14, while responding to concerns raised by some traders who alleged that the market was demolished without adequate notice or compensation. He explained that Governor Soludo was motivated by the deteriorating condition of the market, which he said had gradually lost its prominence following years of neglect by previous administrations.
The commissioner disclosed that the market, which accommodates more than 6,000 shops, had become severely overcrowded, with over 10,000 traders operating within its premises, including those occupying unauthorised structures. According to him, the situation had contributed to poor environmental conditions and inadequate essential amenities, such as public toilets, walkways and parking spaces, thereby undermining the market’s efficiency and overall appearance.
Arc. Arize maintained that successive administrations had failed to adequately address these challenges, necessitating the comprehensive regeneration programme initiated by the present government to reposition the market as a leading commercial hub. The commissioner clarified that the government’s intervention was not intended to indiscriminately demolish existing structures but to remove illegal constructions obstructing the planned redevelopment.
He maintained that the government would not pay compensation for unauthorised structures and insisted that affected traders had been given adequate notice before the exercise commenced. He also disclosed that several meetings had been held with market leaders and traders to discuss the project, adding that the government had exercised considerable restraint in handling the situation.
Highlighting the expected benefits of the regeneration programme, Arc. Arize said the redeveloped market would feature modern infrastructure and essential amenities, including car parks, a medical centre, recreational facilities, public toilets, a fire station, walkways and an improved road network. He added that designated right-of-way provisions would be incorporated into the development to promote orderly movement and improve accessibility within the market.
The commissioner also revealed that six boreholes had already been constructed as part of efforts to improve water supply and sanitation within the market. He assured Ndi Anambra that construction work was progressing steadily, with activities continuing into the night, except on sundays, to accelerate the project’s completion. He noted that the state government was determined to transform the market into a cleaner, safer and more organised commercial environment.
Arc. Arize further stated that Governor Soludo was committed to ensuring that the regeneration project advanced sufficiently to serve traders and shoppers more effectively, particularly ahead of the December shopping season. He urged media practitioners to uphold the principles of responsible journalism by verifying information, conducting thorough investigations and ensuring balanced reporting before publication.
He cautioned against spreading unverified reports capable of misleading the public and undermining government efforts to improve public infrastructure. The commissioner reiterated that the regeneration of the Onitsha Main Market was aimed at restoring its dignity, functionality and commercial value while addressing longstanding infrastructural deficiencies.
He expressed confidence that the project would provide a more conducive trading environment for traders, shoppers and other users, while strengthening the market’s position as a major commercial centre in Anambra State and beyond.
Ekweaga Uzoma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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