Livestock Markets In Akwa Ibom Reopen

Livestock markets in Akwa Ibom State have reopened, according to Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to State Government (SSG), who made the announcement in a statement made available to THE WHISTLER in Uyo on Tuesday.

He said the reopening took effect from 6 a.m. on Tuesday 18 2020.

The re-opening of the markets was successful due to the agreement reached by the livestock dealers and the state government on the procedure for reopening of the livestock markets, he stated.

The state government had earlier placed a ban on cattle, goats and rams from being moved into the state to curb the spread of Coronavirus on May 11 2020.

Chairman, State COVID-19 Management Committee, Ekuwem, said the agreement was reached by the livestock dealers association with government, subject to the extant COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.

“Gov. Udom Emmanuel directed that livestock markets earlier closed as a part of the COVID– 19 restrictions, be reopened for commercial activities,” Ekuwem said.

He advised 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.

Dr. Ekuwem outlined 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.

He also said that they should maintain social distancing and provide proper sewage and other waste material disposal mechanism as requested by the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.