As part of measures to limit the spread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed that markets in the territory would now operate three times weekly.
The times scheduled for them to operate were Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10.00 am to 2:00pm each day.
Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, issued the directive, in Abuja, after a meeting with FCT market managers and top hierarchy of the FCT Police Command, led by the FCT Police Commissioner, Adamu Ciroma.
Represented by the Director of Department of State Services (DSS), Adamu Gwary, the minister explained that the new directive is part of the ongoing efforts to contain and curtail the spread of the Coronavirus infection in the FCT.
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Bello also disclosed that only retailers would be allowed to operate within the period in the markets as wholesale services would not be permitted
He, however, directed market managers and the FCT Police Command to ensure compliance with the new directive by monitoring all entry and exit points of the various markets, as well as activities of the traders.
The minister also advised FCT residents to patronise markets within their neighbourhoods rather than going to the major markets, in order limit the spread of the virus between communities in the FCT.
In his remarks, CP Ciroma assured that the FCT Police Command would enforce the directive, even as he advised residents against flouting the regulation.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the FCT minister, Anthony Ogunleye, also called on FCT residents to support the efforts of the administration in curtailing the spread of the Coronavirus in the territory.
