Anambra's Nightlife Returns After Security Turnaround

Awka is alive again after dark, and residents of Nigeria's Anambra State capital say it feels like getting their city back after years of lockdown fear.

Business owners, taxi drivers, and restaurant operators report a complete transformation in daily life since Governor Chukwuma Soludo invested in security infrastructure and street lighting. What was once a ghost town after sunset now buzzes with activity well past midnight.

Silas Emeka, who runs a leisure spa on Awka's popular Abakaliki Street, says his business no longer closes at dusk. Sports arenas, cinemas, and entertainment spots stay open late as customers feel safe moving around the city. "Some years back, movements at night were dreaded due to insecurity," Emeka explained. "These revolutionary changes reflect how the state is positioning itself as a destination for major investments."

The economic impact extends beyond entertainment venues. Boutique owner Chichi Ogechukwu reports operating from morning until 3 AM without fear of harassment, a schedule unimaginable just a few years ago.

Mohammed Afees, a tricycle driver in nearby Onitsha, completely flipped his work schedule to capitalize on the safer nights. He now runs his business from 7 PM to 4 AM, resting during the day while earning significantly more than before. "The improved environment and bubbling nightlife enhanced by streetlights and good road networks have made night transportation more profitable," Afees said.

Restaurant operator Ifeoma Okonkwo discovered that nighttime has become her most lucrative period, with sales now exceeding daytime revenue. The combination of better roads, enhanced lighting, and strengthened security created conditions for extended trading hours that simply didn't exist before.

The Ripple Effect

The transformation extends beyond individual success stories to reshape Anambra's entire economy. Extended business hours mean more employment opportunities as shops and services need additional staff for night shifts. Transportation networks expanded to serve evening customers, creating jobs for drivers and logistics workers.

The Nigerian Army formally commended Governor Soludo's support for security forces, noting that collaboration between state government and military personnel manifested in what Commander Butrus Madaki Yakubu called "a professional relationship" among security operatives. This partnership approach appears central to the security gains residents now enjoy.

Local business owners compare the current atmosphere to cities in developed countries where commerce never sleeps. The round-the-clock economy not only generates more tax revenue for infrastructure improvements but also signals to potential investors that Anambra offers stable, secure conditions for business growth.

The streets that once emptied at dusk now represent hope that security challenges can be overcome through strategic investment and cooperation between government and citizens.