One week after a lockdown was declared in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Abuja, the Administration has directed that markets be open to operate from 7 am to 2 pm three times a week.

They are to open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, issued this directive in Abuja on Monday during a meeting with Market Managers and heads of security agencies.

Bello, who was represented by the Director of Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary, said the directive was part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus infection in the FCT.

According to a press release by the Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, only retailers would be allowed to operate within the markets as wholesale services would not be permitted.

Bello directed market managers and the Police to ensure compliance with this directive by monitoring all entry and exit points of the various markets as well as activities of the traders.

He also advised FCT residents to patronise markets within their neighbourhoods rather than going to the major markets in the city centre, in order to limit the spread of the virus among communities in the FCT.

In his remarks, the FCT Police Commissioner, Bala Ciroma, assured that the FCT Police Command would enforce the directive, even as he advised residents against flouting this regulation.