- Suspends official sittings, trips, trainings
- Enforces stay home order on staff
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI, ABUJA – As the Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to take daily toil on different sectors of the economy, the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) has suspended its sittings until further notice.
Also, the IST management has put on hold all scheduled official trips and trainings as part of measure to shield the staff and clients from possible exposure to the virus.
Acting Chairman of the Tribunal, Barrister Ike Udunni said the decision to scale down operations and related activities is to ensure staff safety and safeguard their health status in the face of COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
Udunni said other preventive measures that have taken effect immediately include suspension of all official gatherings and programmes requiring the attendance of more than 20 persons.
He explained that the measures would remain in force with the Tribunal running skeletal services until the ban on public gathering is lifted by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The Chairman however said staff permitted within the Tribunal premises during office hours are Heads of Departments, Divisions and Units, Directors, the Chief Registrar, Honourable Members and the Acting Chairman.
Mr Udunni said aside other key personnel identified by the management and permitted to be in the office during work hours, all staff not in the category above have been directed to stay at home and observe good personal hygiene.
He stated that staff have also been advised to observe social distancing; ensure that family members are adequately sensitized to the dangers of the virus; and minimize body contact as much as possible.
The IST boss, who urged all staff on duty to take advantage of hygiene measures put in place within the office premises, said the age-long home remedies for treating cold still remain effective and may be explored in keeping our respiratory organs in good shape.
He however assured that normal operations would resume in the Tribunal as soon as the containment of the COVID-19 is achieved across the country.
