Buhari Orders Nationwide Overnight Curfew, Suspends Inter-State Travel Indefinitely

President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the introduction of overnight curfew from 8 pm to 6 am, effective from Monday, as part of measures to curb the spread of the ravaging coronavirus disease.

The President announced the directive in a nationwide broadcast on Monday, stating that all movements will be prohibited during the period except for essential services.

Other directives made by the president include, the indefinite suspension of non-essential inter-state passenger travel while allowing partial and controlled inter-state movement of goods and services for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers.

He also mandated the ‘use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene’, adding that restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place.

Buhari further stated that the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain in place until the new guidelines come into effect on Monday, 4th May.

Kano state was however excluded from the application of the revised guidelines, as he directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately, given the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state.

He therefore thank all Nigerians for their patience and cooperation during the difficult and challenging period of lockdown and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens and residents.

“I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.