FCTA reopens markets for agric inputs, others

FCTA reopens markets for agric inputs, others

Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reopened markets for the sale of agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, seedlings, herbicides and building materials.

 The Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who chaired a joint meeting of the FCT COVID-19 Emergency Response Team and the FCT Security Committee, where the decision was taken, also approved the operation of markets in the territory for three days in a week. 

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, said,“With effect from Monday, May 25, 2020, the number of days that markets are allowed to operate in the FCT have been increased from two to three days in a week. Accordingly, all markets will now be opened on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 08:00am to 03:00pm.” 

Ogunleye stressed that sections of markets hitherto closed would now be opened for the sale of agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, herbicides, seeds and farm implements, adding that sale of building and construction materials, as well as electrical materials vital to the construction sector can also commence.

He further said, “Neighbourhood selling points managed by the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) which are restricted to selling only foodstuff are to operate daily.” 

The new sections of the markets to be reopened have been urged to ensure decontamination of their premises prior to commencement of business. 

Market operators and customers are also mandated to observe established protocols of hand washing, face coverings and social distancing, he added.