Market Shutdown Spurs Diverse Reactions Among Business Owners -By Fareedah Olaide

The Lagos State Government announced the closedown of markets across the state on Tuesday 24th March 2020 in a bid to curb the spread of the pandemic, Corona Virus. The lockdown was stated to last for seven days starting from Thursday 26th March 2020 with an exception to those selling essential commodities like foodstuff, medical supplies water and so on.
This Government directive had spur diverse reactions among the businessmen and women involved.

An opinion poll was conducted at Alábá International Market, Ojo, Lagos. The market is prominent for its large size and for dealing with electrical material, it is also one of the biggest electrical markets in Lagos.

During the discussion with Mr. Valentine one of the businessmen who deal with electrical fittings in the market, He said ” The directive to shut down the markets is insensitive, rather than shutting down the markets, the Government should team up with market heads and provide basic amenities in each market. Presently a bucket of water and soap is placed at the entrance of each block in the market, the Government should try to improve this little innovation because sending us home is not the solution it can even worsen. an average Nigerian doesn’t own houses neither do they live in a flat apartment so self Isolation might not be possible” He further stated that, ” since they all pay taxes the Government ought to know the number of shops in each market and provide handwashing facilities to each of them”

Mr Obina one of the electrical bulb dealers also said “The Government should give them incentives for them to stay at home, they should emulate other countries who are paying their citizens for staying at home and also paying their house rents, the government should have a database of all citizens so as to make adequate provision. If they can do these people will be willing to stay home”.
He said ” The Government decision is not the best since the so-called essential markets that are not closed can still serve as a place where the virus can spread among people although he doesn’t have any better solution to offer to curb the virus”

During the interview, an argument erupted between three businessmen in which one of the openly tabled his opinion he said ” Nigerian Government should provide for all their citizens, they should use America as a case study who pays it’s citizens $1,000 now imagine if the money is converted to Nigerian currency do you know how much it is? But rather than doing that the Nigerian Government just makes rules for citizens to stay at home without providing for them”

The business owners urges the Government particularly Lagos State Government to make provisions for them to stay at home rather than just sending them home with nothing to consume for the time being also they should try to enlighten, inform and educate the entire populace about the symptoms and the preventive measures of Corona Virus.