Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

Markets in Onitsha, like other parts of Igboland, in pre-colonial times, served both economic and social purposes. This is to say that market centres were used for both the exchange of goods and services and also for social gatherings, which included town meetings, local feast celebrations, dance group presentations, oath taking, to mention but a few. This paper examined the social implications of the existence of markets in Onitsha, and brings to limelight the extent the existence of markets have fostered social growth and development in Onitsha and its environs. The methodology of this paper is based on qualitative, descriptive analysis of available data, using primary and secondary sources. The findings of the paper indicate that the existence of markets in Onitsha have both positive and negative implications. The positive implications include urbanisation, growth of town unions, development of basic infrastructures, and emergence of elite groups, to mention but a few. The negative implications on the other hand include: congestion of the city, high rate of social vices, and heavy presence of touts in the city. Based on the findings, the paper concludes that despite the negative implications, the existence of markets in Onitsha is still a force to reckon with in the growth and development of social integration in the city. On that note, the paper recommends proper regulations by the government to reduce the negative effect mentioned to the barest minimum.

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