By Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday said the curfew scheduled to commence today by 11pm has been shifted to Friday, April 3.
The governor explained that the state government appealed to the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to shift the lockdown which was meant to commence on Monday night.
“The request was to prepare for the lockdown by providing food and other life sustaining material for the people.
“The lockdown will now commence on Friday, and would be total with exemptions to those offering relevant services.” The governor said.
However, Lagos state and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja are few hours away from observing the curfew scheduled to commence 11:00 pm, as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari in his speech to the nation on Sunday, 29.
The President, while giving his speech explained that Lagos and Abuja had the highest confirmed cases of the novel COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.
“Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.
“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 health care 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.
“All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.
“Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.” he said.
