The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Muhammad Bello has lifted the ban placed on market operations in Abuja from three to seven days a week, effective from July 30, 2020.
Bello however restricted market hours to 7am to 6pm daily adding that the aim was to decongest the markets and to further check the spread of COVID-19.
This was announced in a statement by the Chief Press secretary to the FCT Minister,Mr. Anthony Ogunleye in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ogunleye said that the decision was reached at a virtual meeting chaired by the FCT Minister,Malam Muhammad Bello,members of the FCT COVID-19 Response Team, senior members of the administration and members of the Coalition of FCT Market Chairmen and Secretaries led by its Chairman Mr Raphael Okorie.
The statement stated that “The Abuja Market Management Ltd and the various market associations will continue to enlighten market users on COVID-19 and the necessity of obeying all extant health and safety protocols.”
“Access to the markets and operations within the markets will only be permitted with the wearing of face mask and adherence to other guidelines such as hand washing and maintenance of physical distancing.”
Bello said the FCTA might be compelled to withdraw this extension should the coalition of FCT Market Chairmen and Secretaries fail to implement the guidelines.
