The Federal Government has declared curfew in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun State. This was disclosed by President Muhammadu Buhari during his national broadcast on Sunday.
“Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11 pm on Monday, 30th March 2020.”
He said the restriction, which takes effect from Monday at 11 pm, is expected to last for 14 days. He instructed that all business activities in the areas should be restricted.
This, according to him, was to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the states, where it is prevalent.
Lagos has the highest number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nigeria.
“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.
“The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Minister of the FCT, have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.
“We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.
“This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in healthcare-related manufacturing and distribution.
“Furthermore, commercial establishments such as; food processing, distribution, and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities, power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are also exempted.
“Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.
“Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.”
The President has suspended the movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets in Nigeria.
“Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis,” he said.
