By Daniel Tyokua
The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has directed that all markets in the nation’s capital should operate 3 days against the 2 days earlier approved in line with the guidelines set by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
With effect from Monday, May 25th, markets will now be opened on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8.00am to 3.00pm.
This follows the outcome of a joint meeting of the FCT COVID-19 Emergency Response Team and the FCT Security Committee, who was chaired by the minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello at the weekend
The minister said the new steps were part of efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the FCT.
The Meeting deliberated on the second phase of the ease of lockdown guidelines issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 generally and as they affect the operations of markets in particular
According to a statement issued by Anthony Ogunleye, chief press secretary to the minister, said In addition to sale of foodstuff the following additional sections of the market will now open; Agricultural inputs for farm activities such as sale of fertilizer, herbicides, seeds and agricultural implements. Building and construction materials
Electrical items specifically for construction
Neighborhood selling points managed by the Abuja Markets Management Ltd which are restricted to selling only foodstuff, are to operate daily;
It said all new sections of the market to be re-opened as approved by the committee, explained that the managers must ensure decontamination of their premises prior to commencement of business.
Market operators and customers must also observe all already established protocols of handwashing, facial coverings and social distancing;
The statement further explained that other measures at curtailing COVID-19 in the FCT as contained in the guidelines issued by the FCTA on the 2nd of May 2020 still subsist.
