In a dramatic move to re-open the Nigerian economy that has been in a lockdown for the past 28 days, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a phased and gradual unlocking of Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital (FCT), as well as other states.
The phased and gradual relaxation of the lockdown order on Lagos, FCT, Ogun and other affected States is to help rejig the economy while professionally managing and containing any incremental spread of the dreaded Covid-19 disease.
The President, in a broadcast on Monday evening, said the decision was informed by socio-economic impacts of the lockdown on Nigerians.
He however said the relaxation of the lockdown will take effect from Monday 4th May, 2020.
“Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID nineteen, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved for a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020 at 9am.
“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.
“The highlights of the new nationwide measures are as follows;
“Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm; There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except essential services; There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice;
Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers.
“We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gathers shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos & Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020 at 9am,” he said
EmoticonEmoticon