Conflict Resolution Practices in Nigerian Markets: A Case Study of Onitsha Main Market

This study investigates the conflict resolution practices employed within the Onitsha Main Market, one of West Africa's largest commercial markets located in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. Markets are dynamic economic spaces where conflicts arising from trading disputes, boundary encroachments, debt recovery, and ethnic competition are commonplace. Understanding how these conflicts are managed informally and formally is essential for sustaining the productive capacity of commercial hubs. Using a qualitative case study design, the study conducted in-depth interviews with market union leaders, traders, and Anambra State government market officials, supplemented by structured observation of dispute resolution sessions. Secondary data were drawn from Onitsha Main Market Management records and recent academic literature on market governance. The study is theoretically framed within institutional conflict theory and social capital theory. Findings indicate that the Onitsha Main Market Union operates a three-tier dispute resolution system, combining direct negotiation, union committee arbitration, and state market authority referral. The system is largely effective for trade disputes but struggles with conflicts involving non-union members and those with ethnic or political dimensions. Recommendations include formalising the market union's dispute resolution procedures with legal backing, enhancing representation of minority ethnic trader groups in union governance, and instituting peer mediation training for market leaders. Keywords: conflict resolution, market disputes, Onitsha, market union, informal mediation.