H.E Muhamadu Buhari, President of the federal republic of Nigeria on Monday 27 April, 2020 addressed the country. This is the third time the president is addressing the country since he initially announced the lockdown which began March 30, 2020.
The highlights of the president’s speech include:
An extension of the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos & Ogun States for an additional one week until new measures come into effect on May 4, 2020 the expiration of the one week lockdown. The lockdown announced by the president is the second extension of the lockdown since the lockdown was announced.
The president in his address also announced that selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm, he however announced that there will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am as a result all movements during this period will be prohibited save for essential services. A phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun States was equally announced to take effect from Monday, May 4, 2020 at 9am
The ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels which had been announced during the president’s first addressed was reemphasized and is to remain in place until further notice. A partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed to facilitate movement of goods and services from producers to consumers.
The president announced 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 remain in place. State governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists were enjoined to support the production of cloth masks for Nigerian citizens.
He directed that the total lockdown of Kano State which had previously been announced by the state governor will remain in force for the full duration being two weeks.