The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the gradual easing of the lockdown in Ogun, Abuja and Lagos State.
In the speech he delivered, he disclosed how the Nigerian economy is struggling to cope with the lockdown.
Therefore, after seeking the audience of the presidential Task Force and the NCDC, he came up with a resolution on easing the lockdown to protect the economy and protect lives at the same time.
“In my last address, I mentioned the Federal Government will develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods,” part of the president’s speech read.
“These two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively worked hard on thishow to balance the need to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging global best practice while keeping in mind our peculiar circumstances.
“We looked atassessed how our factories, markets, traders and transporters can continue to function while at the same time respecting adhering to the NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.
“We assessed how our children can continue to learn without compromising their health.
“We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centers.
“Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function with while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID nineteen pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.
“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, he announced a nationwide dusk to dawn curfew. This will see selected businesses and sectors open throughout the nation, albeit from 9am to 6pm.
Below are the condition he stated during his speech:
- Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm;
- There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements are will be prohibited during this period except essential services;
- There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice;
- There will be partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed to allow 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 gathers shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.