The Lagos State Government has sealed-off the warehouse of one of the largest online marketing store in Africa, Jumia. This action was carried out by two agencies of government, Lagos State Environment Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Lagos State Safety Commission.
Another company, SPN Packaging Studio Press Nigeria Plc, was also sealed off by LASEPA.
According to media reports, the two agencies sealed off the warehouse of Jumia for contravening the lockdown order imposed on Nigeria’s economic heartbeat by the Federal Government. Apparently, the agencies were tipped off by informants who reported that their staffs were asked to resume work despite the 14-day stay at order.
In a speech delivered on Sunday night, the president ordered all businesses to shut down for a mandatory 14 week period, in a bid to contain the Corona Virus. The only businesses exempted were, hospitals, electricity generating, transmission and distribution companies, fuel distributors and retailers and food processing distribution and retailing businesses.
Director-General of the Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola noted that the safety of the workers are premium to the government and warned owners of industrial facilities to desist from locking their staff and holding the keys.
“We are using this medium to warn all industrial manufacturers to desist from locking in their staff and holding on to the keys. This is contrary to the safety doctrine. It is like holding them hostage against their wishes. The state will take a drastic measure against perpetrators and ensure the provision of the law is applied accordingly,” he said.
LASEPA General Manager Dr. Dolapo Fasawe said her agency got a tip-off from concern citizens about the activities of these organizations.
She urged Lagosians to abide by the safety directive of stay at home to control the spread of the pandemic.
“There will be no hidden place for defaulters of this executive order. This new era of social media has exposed us all to the action and inaction of our neighbours, friends and if not timely reported, it may endanger us. The social media has promoted our communal responsibility of being our brothers’ keeper and protecting our comfort zones,” she said.
The Warehouse has been reopened.
