The Federal Government has exempted journalists and other media workers in Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja from the 14-day Coronavirus (COVID 19) lockdown directed by President Muhammadu Buhari. The Government has also advised journalists and media workers to use their valid identity cards to access their places of work and assignment venues during the period.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said on March 31, 2020, that the clarification becomes necessary in view of the inadequate time to properly accredit working journalists in the affected states and the FCT during the period.
He said members of the media are expected to continue to provide essential services during the lockdown, in order to keep Nigerians well updated on the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement issued in Abuja and signed by Segun Adeyemi, special assistant to the Minister recalled that President Buhari during a live broadcast on March 29, 2020, ordered the cessation of all movements for two weeks in Lagos and Abuja to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The lockdown affected to travel to or from other states which the President said should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations were ordered to be fully closed during this period.
