President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the phased and gradual easing of the lockdown in Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He said this in a nationwide address.
“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