The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) has announced the ease of lockdown in Lagos, FCT, and Ogun effective from 4 May, 2020.
He made the statement during the nationwide broadcast on Monday.
Buhari, also announced an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am nationwide as part of efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19, while he described the new order as a “phased and gradual easing” of lockdown measures in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday.
He explained further: “In line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown.
“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.
“Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as follows;
“There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for 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; and
“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 gatherings 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 and Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020.
“The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details to allow for preparations by governments, businesses and institutions”.
The president continued: “In respect to the above guidelines, State Governors may choose to adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances, provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued above.
“To support our businesses and traders, the monetary and fiscal authorities shall deploy all the necessary provisions needed for production to continue and thus, jobs restored”,
Buhari who condoled with citizens who have lost their loved ones due to the pandemic, urged everyone to comply with the NCDC guidelines, of social distancing, avoiding of large crowd, and use of face masks to curb the spread of the disease.
The president who described as unfortunate the situation in Kano State, where scores of citizens have died, according to reports due to an unknown cause, ordered a- two-week total lockdown in the state.
He said : “These revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State. The total lockdown recently announced by the State Government shall remain enforced for the full duration. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic.
He did not fail to commend the healthcare practitioners, who have been on the frontline of the battle.
“I wish to once again commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, be rest assured that government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remains paramount to our Government.
“I will also recognise the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support has significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to date. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories”, he urged.
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