President Muhammadu Buhari has eased the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun States, effective from Monday, May 4.
The lockdown was imposed on March 29 as part of measures to halt the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Buhari in a national broadcast on Monday, said he has approved gradual easing of the lockdown measures.
He said: “I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the President disclosed some new nationwide measures to be introduced
“There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services,” he said.
Buhari also banned non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice while allowing a partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services.
“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 gatherings shall remain in place.
“State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens,” Buhari added.
Buhari had earlier declared a lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun State at the end of March.
He extended the lockdown two weeks ago following the continued rise of confirmed cases of the disease in the country.
Nigeria has 1276 cases so far since the first case in March.
