The Lagos State Government has begun to set up makeshift markets for food and agricultural produce in selected schools.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, said on Thursday in Lagos  that development was sequel to the directive of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu  on measures to check coronavirus spread.

Lawal said that the aim of setting up the makeshift markets was to provide Lagos residents access to food supplies during the period of shutdown of open  markets,  shops and other places.

The  governor had  directed that all markets and stores trading in non-essential commodities be closed with effect from Thursday.

The commissioner listed the local governments where the makeshift food and agricultural markets would be set up to include Mushin, Alimosho,  Ikeja, Apapa, Lagos Mainland; Eti-Osa; Surulere and Ifako Ijaiye.

According to him, the makeshift markets will be located at the Bishop Aggey Primary School, Ilasamaja; Ajenifuja Primary School, Ilupeju, Mushin; Papa Ajao Primary School, Ladipo Street, Mushin.

“Others are: Akin Ogun Primary School, Mosan; Meiran Community Primary School, Meiran; and Animashaun Primary School, Ijeshatedo off Omilani Street, Surulere.

“Tbey alsl include Ikeja Primary School, Ikeja; Opebi Primary School, Opebi, Ikeja; Anglican Primary School, Marine Beach, Apapa; St. Jude Primary School, Ebute- Meta; St. George’s Boys Primary School, Falomo,” he added.

The official said that Community Grammar School, Adelabu, Surulere; Obele Secondary School, Adelabu, Surulere; Fagba Junior Grammar School, Ifako Ijaiye, and Stadium High School, Ifako, were among the schools .

Lawal said that the ministry and  the state  ministry of Health had put in place safety guidelines at each of the makeshift markets.

He called for strict adherence to safety measures by shoppers, including  social distancing.

The commissioner said that there was no need for any panic-buying by the  public since the makeshift markets were being  put in place to ameliorate peoples’ suffering.

He added that the police and Neighbourhood Watch would be on ground to maintain law and order.

Lawal said that suppliers of  fast-moving consumer goods had giving  assurance of  their readiness to keep supplies unhindered.

He advised all residents of the state to cooperate with the government in its efforts to check the spread of  COVID-19 (NAN)