By GRACE AUDU, Abuja –
With effect from May 25, 2020, the number of days that markets are allowed to operate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been increased from 2 to 3 days in a week.
By this new arrangement, all markets will now be opened on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8.00am to 3.00pm.
this was one of the resolutions reached at the end of a joint meeting of the FCT COVID-19 Emergency Response Team and the FCT Security Committee, chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, on May 21, 2020 as part of efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the FCT.
A statement by Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, said 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
Consequently, the meeting came up with the following guidelines which will guide the operations of markets in the FCT from May 25.
In addition to sale of foodstuff the following additional sections of the market will now open: (a) Agricultural inputs for farm activities such as sale of fertilizer, herbicides, seeds and agricultural implements; (b) Building and construction materials and; (c) Electrical items specifically for construction
According to the statement, neighborhood selling points managed by the Abuja Markets Management Ltd which are restricted to selling only foodstuff, are to operate daily.
It added that all new sections of the market to be re-opened as indicated above 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;
“All 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,” it further said.
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