The Rainbow
The Lagos State government on Sunday announced the extension of hours of operations of both food markets and non-food markets across the state from 3 pm to 6pm.
The commencement time which was hitherto was 9 am was also reviews downwards to 8 am, which means that traders have additional four hours in their each day of operation.
However, the alternate days of operation remains in force.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mr Gboyega Akosile, announced the extension via series of tweet on Sunday.
According to him, the decision is meant to further enhance trade and commerce and mitigate the hardship of COVID-19 pandemic.
Akosile said that the announcement was made in a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs in the state, Dr Wale Ahmed.
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 open will 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.
The Rainbow however observed after a visit to Balogun, Idumota, Ebute-ero, Mandilas areas of Lagos Island and markets occupying Trade Fair Complex along Lagos Badagry Expresway that the traders are derelict in keeping safe distancing, wearing of face masks and other COVID protocols.
The newspaper observed that most of the traders and buyers in the markets were not wearing face masks and only a few shops had provision for hand sanitizers.
Besides, there is little or no efforts at keeping safe distancing as prescribed under government COVID-9 protocols as crowds of persons struggle for space in the markets, especially those on the Lagos Island.
