By Gbenga Abulude
As the gradual easing of the Covid-19 lockdown continues in phases, the Lagos State government has extended the hours of operations for both food markets and non-food markets across the state.
According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the markets have been permitted to open by 8am and close at 6pm.
In a series of tweets on Sunday, he said the decision was to further enhance trade and commerce to mitigate the hardship of COVID-19 pandemic.
He explained that the announcement was made in a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs in the state, Dr Wale Ahmed.
Dr Ahmed, he said, emphasised that the alternate days of operations remain in force.
Food markets in Lagos are to open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while non-food markets are expected to open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
He urged all traders to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 protocols for their safety and that of the residents at large.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Alausa, Ikeja recently, the commissioner had issued new guidelines for the reopening of markets and shopping malls in the state.
He explained that this was part of efforts to curb the spread of the virus, following Governor Sanwo-Olu’s announcement of the gradual easing of the lockdown in the state.
Dr Ahmed emphasised that everyone attending the markets and stores would be mandated to observe precautionary measures such as physical distancing and high levels of personal and respiratory hygiene.
The commissioner had stated that malls would also be allowed to open with the provision that stores would maintain a 60 per cent occupancy capacity at any point in time.
