Nigerian govt lifts ban on interstate travel, approves school opening for final year students

The federal government has approved what it called “safe reopening” of schools nationwide in the next phase of the gradual easing of lockdown ordered to curtail further spread of COVID-19.

The government also lifted the ban on non-essential interstate travels.

Such interstate travels can now be done outside curfew hours with effect from July 1 2020.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this at the daily briefing of the task force in Abuja on Monday.

He said the reopening of schools was meant to allow students in graduating classes resume preparation for examinations.

“The government also said only graduating students will resume,” he said.

Mr Mustapha said the second phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown in the country has also been extended by four weeks.

“The Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020, through Midnight of Monday, July 27 2020,” he said

Nigeria imposed its first round of lockdown in late March. Mr Buhari on April 27 announced the gradual easing of a five-week lockdown in FCT, Lagos and Ogun state.

The lockdown was eased to a nationwide night curfew (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) from May 4 to May 17.

Many states, however, amended the curfew time, largely to commence from 10 p.m. and end at 5 a.m.

The first phase of the relaxed lockdown was extended by two weeks and elapsed midnight June 1. The second phase spanned June 2 and elapses by midnight today, June 29.