After three months, Akwa Ibom Government has reopened livestock markets in the state for commercial activities.
The government shut down the markets on May 11 following allegations that some livestock dealers were bringing strange people into the state and placed a ban on cattle, goats and rams from being moved into the state to curb the spread of Coronavirus.
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Secretary to State Government (SSG) who made the announcement in a statement in Uyo on Tuesday, said the reopening took effect from 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
Ekuwem, who is also the Chairperson of the state’s COVID-19 Management Committee, said opening of the markets followed an agreement reached by the livestock dealers and the state government on the procedure for reopening of the livestock markets.
He said the agreement was reached by the livestock dealers association with the government, subject to the extant COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel directed that livestock markets earlier closed as a part of the COVID- 19 restrictions, be reopened for commercial activities,” Mr Ekuwem said.
He enjoined the dealers and the general public to adhere strictly to the Akwa Ibom Government/ Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)/World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.
The SSG spelt out the guidelines and protocols to include, proper use of face masks at all times within the markets and provision of facilities for hand washing and personal hygiene.
Ekuwem also said that they should maintain social distancing and provide proper sewage and other waste material disposal mechanisms.
