The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), has urged traders to comply with the Federal Government’s directives aimed at tackling COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The management also notified NANTS members, partners and the general public that effective from March 25, the national Headquarters of NANTS, located in Abuja would be temporarily closed for business until further notice.
NANTS National President, Mr Ken Ukaoha, who made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said it was in compliance with government’s directives to guard against the spread of Coronavirus.
“We understand how hard and difficult times are, and that there is serious pressure on sustenance of livelihoods, especially for our traders who depend on daily sales for their livelihoods.
“The management of NANTS has therefore, asked all staff to stay at home and work from there till the cloud is clearer.
“However, having weighed the seriousness of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of lives far outweighs livelihoods and wealth.
“We further admonish our members and traders nationwide to comply with government’s directives, especially in selected states where identified markets and traders are asked to close shops for a specific period,” he said.
Ukaoha advised its members and all traders nationwide to comply with government’s directive so that more lives could be spared from the ravaging pandemic.
He also urged executives of markets across the country to commence the enforcement of sanitation in and around the markets to reduce the impact of the disease and other ailments.
Ukaoha called on its members to observe frequent washing of hands with soap under running water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers if water was not available.
“You should also cover the mouth and nose properly with a tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing, and dispose such tissues properly immediately after use.
“Coughing into the elbow is an alternative if a tissue is not available; social distancing and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing is advised,’’ he said
The trade expert called on all traders to desist from unnecessary hiking of prices of commodities so as to avoid compounding the economic woes induced by the Coronavirus.
Similarly, he appealed to its members and affiliates in the Diaspora to follow the path of honour and security by abiding with the directives issued by the various governments in the countries they resided and transacted businesses.
