Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday announced a 14-day shut down of business, economic and social activities in Lagos State, Ogun State, and Abuja FCT.
The President made this pronouncement during a nationwide speech.
The President said the restriction, which takes effect from Monday, March 30th at 11 pm, is expected to last for 14 days and will restrict the movement of non-essential services across the three states.
He said this decision was made to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
The president also ordered all businesses to shut down their offices for this 14-day period except those on essential services.
He said:
“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;
a. food processing, distribution, and retail companies;
b. petroleum distribution and retail entities,
c. power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and
d. private security companies are also exempted.
Though these businesses have been exempted he also made an important caveat.
“Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.”
Also exempted: Whilst telecommunication companies and media have not been exempted, the president also made an important caveat.
He continued: “Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.”