As part of measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus in Nigeria and in Lagos State, in particular, the state government, let by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced the closure of 17 markets across the state. READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Lagos Government Shuts Down All Markets And Parks
According to the government, only those selling food items, medics and essential products will not be affected during the period.
The move to close down the market has become very imperative as Lagos State ranks highest among states with the number of COVID-19 cases.
According to the government, effective from Thursday 26th of March, the markets named by the government will not be operational until further notice.
The markets include GSM village, Airport Road, Ikeja; Mandilaz market in Lagos Island; Oluwole market, Lagos Island, Ogba market, Ladipo Market, Arena market, Oshodi; Lawanson market, and Kantangua market.
Others are Alaba international market, Oshodi market, Igando market, Alimosho, Abule-Egba, Trade fair market, Ebute Ero market, Computer Village, Ikeja; Balogun market in Lagos Island, Iyana-Ipaja, and Agege market.
Following this development, the market leaders association directed their members to comply with the government directives on the restriction order as part of efforts to avoid the spread of COVID-19 through market activities.
Alongside the closure of markets, the government had announced that all public parks, gyms, swimming pools, workout stations in all public places are expected to shut until further notice.
This is just as the Sanwo-Olu-led government advised that travelling in and out of Lagos should be avoided at the moment and all Nigerians should refrain from interstate travel of any kind until the pandemic is dealt with.
According to updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Lagos State currently has 32 confirmed COVID-19 cases; a development that has caused the government to put up several measures to arrest the spread of the virus including the closure of markets.