Lagos may extend lockdown, says Sanwo-Olu

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, says the lockdown in the state will be extended if the need arises.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a 14-day lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja to check the spread of coronavirus.

Some residents have been complaining about hardship, asking the government to review the restriction.

But speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu said said the situation of things would determine if the lockdown would be extended.

He said if there is need for extending it, he would liaise with the federal govermment.

“This is just day five. So, in the first 14 days, we still have about eight or nine days to go,” he said.

“So, I’m sure that it’s something that all of us, including the federal authorities will be reviewing. The lockdown was not only a directive of the governor; it was a national decision and it has national backing. So, if there is a need to extend, I can assure you that we will make the call.”

Meanwhile, Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, has said the lockdown which commenced on Friday, would be relaxed on Tuesday.

Abiodun had initially appealed to the president to give the state the grace of Friday for the commencement of the movement restriction.

Speaking with reporters at Iperu-Remo, Abiodun said the state would relax the lockdown for seven hours every 48 hours.

The governor also said the period of the lockdown would be used to fumigate the state public places such as markets, motor parks and other essential areas across the state.

“The lockdown will be total from now till 7.00am on Tuesday. The lockdown will be suspended between 7.00am and 2.00pm to allow for essential business activities,” he said.

“This 7.00am to 2.00pm window will be observed every other day therefrom that is, Tuesday instant, Thursday, and Saturday for the coming week.”