Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo says the Monday sit-at-home in the South-East has effectively ended, pointing to heavy traffic in Onitsha as evidence that economic and commercial activities are returning to normal.
The governor made the remark on Monday after arriving about 15 minutes late to the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 due to traffic congestion in Onitsha.
"To have traffic at Onitsha on a Monday, the Monday sit-at-home is over," Soludo said.
The Monday sit-at-home, initially introduced by separatist groups, has for years disrupted businesses, transportation and public life across parts of the South-East. Soludo said the traffic experienced on Monday reflected improved security and increased public confidence.
At the summit, the governor also announced plans for stronger economic collaboration between Anambra and Delta states, describing the relationship between both states as similar to that of "New York and New Jersey."
He said Anambra was developing an economic free trade zone anchored by an aerotropolis and stressed the need for states to pursue regional partnerships.
"We must synergise instead of working in silos," he said.
Soludo also renewed his call for Nigerians to patronise locally made products, revealing that he now wears Akwete fabric almost exclusively.
"I am wearing Akwete. My daughter introduced me to it in 2019, and I have made it my daily uniform," he said.
According to the governor, increased demand for locally manufactured goods could create more than 10 million jobs.
On the state's finances, Soludo said his administration had not borrowed since taking office and had declined a World Bank loan to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risks.
He also argued that Nigeria's macroeconomic outlook was improving, stating that the country's gross foreign reserves had risen from about $3 billion in 2023 to approximately $52 billion, while net reserves exceeded $40 billion.
Calling for tangible outcomes from investment conferences, Soludo urged participants to focus on implementation.
"Let's keep it simple. Let's make investments a habit and not an event," he said.
The summit also featured presentations from government officials and development experts. Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, called for greater economic diversification and investment in digital infrastructure, while Patrick Lumumba urged African countries to invest more in their own economies and maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the state was implementing reforms aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
