The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) says markets within the FCT are now free to open all days of the week.

In April, Muhammad Bello, FCT minister, had directed markets in Abuja to operate only three days a week due to the lockdown declared in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement on Wednesday, Anthony Ogunleye, chief press secretary to the minister, said the FCT COVID-19 response team, in a virtual meeting chaired by Bello, resolved to extend the operational days of all markets to the usual seven days.

Ogunleye said the meeting became necessary owing to the request by the coalition of FCT market chairmen and secretaries for the operational days of the markets to be extended to all seven days of the week.

Effective from Thursday, July 30, FCT markets will be allowed to open between 7am and 6pm daily.

“The Abuja market management limited and various market associations will continue to carry out sensitisation activities to enlighten market users on COVID-19 and the necessity of obeying all extant health and safety protocols,” the statement read.

“Access to the markets and operations within the markets will only be permitted with the wearing of facial coverings and adherence to all extant health and safety guidelines inclusive of handwashing and maintenance of physical distancing.

“However, failure by the coalition of FCT market chairmen and secretaries to fully implement these guidelines, the FCTA will be compelled to withdraw this extension.”

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