To cushion the effect of market closure across Lagos State a restrictive measure to stem the transmission of Covid-19, the state government has set up emergency neighborhood food markets to provide residents with food and agricultural produce at schools within selected council areas.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal announced this during an inspection tour of the markets located at Ikeja Primary School in Ikeja GRA and Ojota Nursery and Primary School, in Ogudu .
He said the aim of setting up the markets was to provide Lagosians access to food supplies during the restrictive period following the governor’s directive that all markets and stores trading in non-essential commodities be closed.
Coronavirus Bogged Down Agricultural Products’ Trade Â
Lawal said the Ministries of Agriculture and Health have put in place safety guidelines at each of the makeshift food and agricultural markets, but urged for strict adherence by shoppers to safety and precautionary measures, including social distancing .
The commissioner pointed out that there would be no need for any panic- buying by members of the public, particularly since the makeshift markets were put in place by the state to ameliorate peoples’ suffering.
According to Lawal, officials belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and Neighborhood Watch would be on ground throughout to ensure the maintenance of law and order.
Royal Agricultural Show Cancelled Amidst Ongoing Coronavirus Threat
He explained that the chiefs of fast- moving consumer goods have assured the state government of their readiness to keep supplies flowing unhindered, reiterating there is no need for any panic- buying from shoppers.
He concluded by advising all Lagos residents to take individual responsibility during this restrictive period by acting positively so that the disease’s chain of transmission could be broken in the state.
