Christian Ethics and Business Practices Among Traders in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State

This study examines the application of Christian ethical principles to business practices among Christian traders in Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, located in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. The research is motivated by persistent reports of sharp trade practices, fraud, and ethical compromise in Nigerian commercial environments, and seeks to understand how faith identity shapes or fails to shape economic conduct. A descriptive survey design is adopted, with data collected from 300 Christian traders selected across various product sections of the market. Structured questionnaires measure self-reported adherence to Christian business ethics, including honesty in pricing, fair weights, and equitable treatment of customers. Findings reveal a significant gap between stated Christian identity and reported business behaviour, with a majority of respondents acknowledging that market norms and competitive pressure often override religious convictions in practice. Churches attended by these traders are largely perceived as not addressing business ethics in their preaching. The study recommends the development of a marketplace ministry framework in Anambra State that embeds Christian ethics education within trader association structures and church programmes. These findings contribute to discussions on faith, marketplace theology, and business ethics in the Nigerian context. Keywords: Christian ethics, business practices, marketplace theology, Onitsha, Anambra State