In a bid to control the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, the
Federal Government is proposing the compulsory use of face mask in
public places as the means to curtail pandemic that is ravaging
nations across the globe.
Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade and
Investment, Otunba Richard Adebayo, who called for compulsory use
of face masks in market places emphasised on the need to observe
Market Protocol which is “wearing of face masks and having hand
sanitizers among other precautionary measures on approved market
days before being allowed access into the market for
transactions.
“I need to stress that, while there is an undeniable need for
markets to be open on some days for people to restock on household
supplies, it is most important for the set protocol during the
process to be complied with to the latter. The use of face masks
and hand sanitisers on market days are non-negotiable to limit the
spread of the virus until the scourge blows over,” Adebayo
said.
He said the government was collaborating with stakeholders in
the production circle to harness the benefits of the production of
ethanol in making sanitisers to curb the spread of COVID-19
pandemic in the country.
Adebayo said the ministry has arranged a teleconference with
almost all producers of sanitisers in the country to find a way of
ensuring that they don’t find it difficult in getting ethanol in
order to make the byproducts available and cheap for all Nigerians
to access.
He also called on security operatives to allow farmers access
their farms for necessary farm activities like fertilizing and
harvest in order to ensure food sufficiency during COVID-19 and
beyond, adding that the farmers must wear their face masks as well
as observe other preventive measures before they are let
through.
“This synergy between our law enforcement agencies, our
essential goods manufacturers and the producers and the Ministry,
has allowed us to be able to meet critical demands at this time. I
wish to also add that, while on duty, our law enforcement agencies
must do well to allow farmers access their farms for necessary farm
activities like fertilizing and harvest in order to ensure food
sufficiency during COVID-19 and beyond. The farmers must, however,
wear their face masks as well as observe other preventive measures
before they are let through,” he said.