The Onitsha North Local Government Council has started pulling down unauthorised structures at the Onitsha Main Market as part of efforts to restore order and return the market to its approved layout.
The action was confirmed in a social media update shared by Anambra State New Media on Sunday, which stated that enforcement had commenced. According to the post, traders and occupants of the affected structures had been properly informed ahead of the exercise. The aim, it said, is to recover the original market design and create a more organised environment for business activities.
The demolition follows an earlier public notice issued by the council through the Office of the Mayor on February 26. In the statement signed by the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, Hon. Anthony Nwora, owners and occupants of structures described as illegal were reminded that the grace period granted to them had ended.
The notice explained that an initial 14-day deadline had been given, which expired on February 14, 2026. At the request of those affected, the council extended the deadline by another two weeks, fixing February 28, 2026 as the final date.
The council made it clear that enforcement could begin from March 1, 2026, and urged traders to remove their belongings from the affected areas, particularly those located at Park 1, Park 2 and Park 3 within the market.
Authorities advised occupants to clear out valuables before the commencement of the demolition to avoid losses.
Onitsha Main Market, situated in one of the busiest commercial centres in southeastern Nigeria, has long struggled with congestion and the growth of unapproved structures. The council said the current exercise is intended to improve safety, movement and trading conditions within the market.
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