Some traders in Lagos have been counting their losses following the partial closure of markets by the Lagos State government as part of measures to curtail the spread of the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on Tuesday ordered the closure of all markets in the state except those selling essential commodities such as foodstuff, water, medical supplies, amongst others.

The governor also announced that the compliance of the directive will be fully enforced by all security operatives.

Our correspondent who went round observed total compliance with the directives. It was also observed that traders selling foodstuffs were carrying out their activities without disturbance by security operatives.

Speaking with Daily Independent on Thursday, Ikechukwu Ejimonu, a spare parts seller at First Gate, Agidingbi Ikeja said though they came to shop, they couldn’t open because of the fear of arrests by security agents.

According to him, there is no way he could survive because he and his family survives on the daily gains he makes from selling vehicle spare parts.

“This is just day one and we are already feeling the heat of the closure. What will now happen to us if we close the shops for 14 days?”

“ We appreciate what the governor has done in protecting our lives against the virus but if we don’t eat we shall equally die of hunger. I have nothing in my account to even stockpile foods at home because this is a daily business and I survive on gains I make daily”.

“ We will appreciate some support in terms of palliatives from the governor. We have association leaders here. They all have our registers. The state government can reach us through them. We can’t continue like this or else we will die of hunger” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs. Bolanle Awojori, a trader in children’s wears at Ogba also said she is already feeling the impact of the closure.

“ Honestly, I must commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for what he has done so far but I will appreciate some palliatives to cushion the pain of the closure”.

“Also, I don’t think the order on a full closure is good enough. If they can allow us to trade for at least 2-3 hours a day, that will be fine. I survive on daily sales and now if I close shop for two weeks, how will I survive? ” she asked.

Source:- Independent ng