The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Muhammad Bello, has ordered market days to be opened thrice in a week as compared to two days in a week, to take effect from Monday.
The decision was borne out of a joint meeting of the FCT COVID-19 Emergency Response Team and the FCT Security Committee, which took place on Thursday.
In a statement made available to journalists by the minister’s Chief Press Secretary, all markets are expected to open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm.
“In addition to the sale of foodstuff, the following additional sections of the market will now open; Agricultural inputs for farm activities such as the sale of fertilizer, herbicides, seeds and agricultural implements.
“Building and construction materials, electrical items specifically for construction; neighbourhood selling points managed by the Abuja Markets Management Ltd which are restricted to selling foodstuff only are to operate daily.
“All new sections of the market to be re-opened as indicated above must ensure decontamination of their premises prior to commencement of business.”
“All other measures at curtailing COVID-19 in the FCT as contained in the guidelines issued by the FCTA on the May 2 still subsist,” the statement added.