The Regulations were signed and dated 30th of March 2020 but did not state a specific commencement date. However, based on the content it can be inferred that the Regulations commenced on the 30th of March 2020. The President has directed the cessation of movements in Lagos, Ogun and FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday 30 March 2020.
Citizens are to stay in their homes and all businesses and offices should be fully closed while travel to other states should be postponed. Restriction of movement is not applicable to:
- hospitals and related medical establishments;
- health care related manufacturers and distributors;
- food processing, distribution and retails companies;
- petroleum distribution and retail entities;
- power generation, transmission and distributions companies;
- private security companies;
- urgent court matters as may be directed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria;
- financial system and money markets; and
- workers in telecom companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home
Below are other key measures introduced under the Regulations:
- Seaport shall remain operational while vehicles conveying essential cargoes from the ports will be screened before departure
- All passenger aircrafts both commercial and private jets are suspended. Special permits will be issued on a need basis.
- Government will deploy relief materials to residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihood will be affected by the restrictive measures. Also, the school feeding program will be sustained without compromising social distancing policies
- A 3-month repayment moratorium will be granted for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans. In addition, moratorium will be granted for all FG funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, and Nigeria Export Import Bank.
- Unspecified conditional cash transfers and food rations will be provided for the next 2 months to the most vulnerable and internally displaced persons.
- Nigerians are encouraged to take personal responsibilities to support those who are vulnerable within their communities.
- All FG stadia, pilgrims' camps and other facilities will be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.
- The Presidential Task Force is to coordinate the COVID-19 response including donations and contributions
Download FG Covid-19 Regualtions
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