President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the lockdown Lagos state, Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The President announced the extension of the lockdown by another two weeks in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday.
“Having carefully considered the briefings and report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020,” he said.
He noted that the extension would be effective from 11:59 pm on Monday and urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government in the fight against COVID-19.
Explaining why he took the decision, the President stated that it was important to curb the spread of the disease through community transmission.
He said, “This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square.
“The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy, and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We cannot be lax.”
Recall that Buhari had on March 29 ordered a total lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun States. According to the president, the order was based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC.
