President Muhammadu Buhari announced yesterday that the lockdown in Abuja, the nation’s capital, as well as Lagos and Ogun States will remain in force till Monday, May 4.
The additional seven days will make it the fifth week since the president declared a two-week lockdown in the three areas on March 29 to curb the spread of coronavirus.
On April 13, Buhari had extended the lockdown by another two weeks following increasing cases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The president last night also gave the federal government’s nod to Kano State government’s proclamation of lockdown, saying the state should be totally shut down for a period of two weeks.
In a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians aired on national television and radio stations at 8:00 pm, Buhari noted however that the lockdown measures in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States will be eased gradually in phases effective from May 4.
From next week Monday, according to the president, the lockdown in these three volatile areas will be relaxed tonight curfews, beginning from8:00 am to 6:00 am daily.
He said, “Based on the above and 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 measures in FCT, Lagos and the Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
“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.
Outlining the new nationwide measures to be introduced, the president said, “There will be an overnight curfew from 8 pm to 6 am adding that 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.
“We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene”.
Buhari further noted that the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place, adding that “State Governments, corporate organizations, and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens”.
He maintained that the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain in place until the new measures come into effect next week Monday.
He continued: “The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector-specific details to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses, and institutions.
“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”.
Noting that the revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State, the president said, “With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately.
He noted the steps taken were necessary as they have contributed to slowing down the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
The president regretted that the lockdown was coming at a very heavy economic cost, saying many of the citizens have lost their means of livelihood.
Admitting that many businesses had been shut down, Buhari said no country could afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines.
Buhari also warned that culprits of human rights violations among security operatives would be brought to book.
President Buhari warned that as the country focuses on protecting lives and properties, he will not tolerate any human rights abuse by security agencies.
The few reported incidences are regrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice”.
He, however, urged all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents.
“Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed that the personnel of all the security agencies provided with the necessary personal protective equipment against infection”, he added.
The president commended frontline workers across the country who he said, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure the fight against COVID-19 is won.
“For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest assured that the 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, well-being, and welfare remain paramount to our Government,” he stated.
Immediately after the broadcast, President Buhari last night signed the Proclamation Order on the General Management of Covid-19 in Lagos, Ogun, Kano, the Federal Capital Territory,y and other states in Nigeria as contained in his national broadcast, April 27, 2020.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina noted that “this was in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 3 of the Quarantine Act, CAP Q2 Laws of the Federation 2004 and all powers enabling him in that behalf”.
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