Some shop owners in Egbeda and Ikotun Markets are flouting the government's Covid-19 directive on opening days, which states that food markets are to open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday while other markets are to open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
When Alimoshotoday reporter visited Egbeda main market on Monday, it was highly commendable that government’s directive was strictly adhered to. No food market was operating in the main market. However, some food vendors were seen across the road (opposite the main market).
A pepper seller explained her motive for selling by the roadside. She said: "Today is meant for cloth sellers, but tomorrow I will be in the main market."
"I can only sell on the streets or the roadside today (Monday). When the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials come, they only check the main market, they don’t enter the streets".
On Tuesday morning, Alimoshotoday visited these markets to know whether non-food vendors were equally compliant or not. The narrative remained the same. In Ikotun main market, all the shops were closed.
However, vendors without shops displayed their wares by the roadside and in available corners. When asked if they would open on Thursday, they nodded in the positive, but did not respond to further questions.
In Egbeda market, it was a different story. While some shop owners selling non-food items closed their shops, others remained open. Forty per cent of the shops visibly displayed their products against the stipulated guidelines.
Meanwhile, attendants of some closed shops also lurked around to scout for customers.