Sit-at-Home Order Ends: Economic Life Returns to Mondays in Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu

 Traders, transporters, commuters, and residents in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States are expressing cautious optimism as commercial and social activities on Mondays show signs of revival following the formal cancellation of the sit-at-home order.

A recent survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) across the three states revealed a noticeable increase in business operations compared to previous Mondays under the restriction. Markets, transport hubs, and shops that once remained shuttered are now seeing gradual patronage, though activity levels remain below pre-2021 figures when the order was not in force.

The sit-at-home directive, originally enforced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) starting in 2021 to protest the detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had paralyzed economic life every Monday across much of the South-East. It led to massive losses—estimated in trillions of naira regionally—with Anambra alone reportedly forfeiting billions weekly in trade, taxes, and livelihoods.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah led early efforts by declaring an end to the order in June 2023, vowing strict enforcement.

In Anambra, Governor Charles Soludo's decisive actions, including temporary market closures and executive orders in early 2026, reinforced compliance.

Most crucially, IPOB's leadership, via spokesperson Emma Powerful, announced on February 8, 2026, the permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home with effect from February 9, following directives from Kanu.

Residents and business owners have welcomed the shift. In Onitsha and Awka (Anambra), markets recorded higher footfall, while transporters in Enugu and Abakaliki reported improved passenger numbers. "It's not yet full normalcy, but people are coming out more freely," one trader noted in a NAN report.

However, challenges persist. Some areas still experience sporadic compliance issues or lingering fear from past enforcement tactics. Patronage has not fully returned to pre-restriction levels, and broader South-East recovery will require sustained security, investor confidence, and government support.

Analysts view this as a turning point after years of disruption that eroded jobs, education, and regional growth. With governments assuring protection and IPOB withdrawing support for the order, the path to full economic normalcy appears clearer.

Stakeholders urge continued vigilance to consolidate gains and prevent any reversal, as the South-East seeks to reclaim its status as a commercial powerhouse.