Buhari relaxes lockdown in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States

President Muhammadu Buhari 

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States, effective from Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 at 9am.

Buhari disclosed this during a nationwide broadcast on Monday night.

He said the easing of the lockdown 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 new nationwide measures include opening of selected businesses and offices from 9am to 6pm.

However, the president said that there will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am, which means all movements will be prohibited during this period except essential services.

He also said there will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice, while there will be partial and controlled interstate movement to allow for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers.

Buhari disclosed that his administration will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.

He said the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place, as he urged state governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists  to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

Buhari said: "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 Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 at 9am.

"The Presidential Task Force shall provide specific details and timing guidelines to allow for preparations by governments, businesses and institutions.

"The above are guidelines, while state governors may choose to amend, adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances, provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued above on public health and hygiene".

President Buhari commended the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure the fight is won.

He also assured those who got infected in the line of duty that government will do all it takes to support them and their families during this exceedingly difficult period.