COVID 19: FCTA Restricts Markets’ Operations For Abuja Residents
- Now 3 days a week
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI, ABUJA – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued new directives on markets’ operations in its bid to further check the spread of coronavirus in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to the new order aimed at curbing the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in the territory, markets will now only operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays between the period of 7am and 2:00 pm.
The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello gave the order on Monday, April 6 during a meeting with FCT Market Managers and the Police Command, led by the FCT Police Commissioner, Adamu Ciroma.
Represented by Director of Security Services Department (SSD), Adamu Gwary, at the meeting, the Minister described the measure as part of the ongoing efforts at containing and curtailing the spread of Coronavirus infection in the federal capital city.
A statement by Minister’s Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, also quoted him as warning that only retailers will be allowed to operate within the markets as wholesale services would not be permitted
He however directed all Market managers and the FCT Police Command to ensure strict compliance with the 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 patronize markets within their neighbourhoods rather than going to the major markets within the nation’s capital, in order limit the virus’ spread around FCT communities.
In his comments, FCT Police Commissioner, Ciroma assured that the Command would fully enforce the directive to ensure Abuja remains secured and safe health wise for the people.
Corona urged all residents to desist from flouting the regulation as the full wrath of the law would be brought to bear on culprits.
