The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has said bank branches in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be open to customers from Monday, May 4.
Sani Aliyu, the national coordinator of the task force said this at the PTF COVID-19 Wednesday briefing while giving further details about the country’s gradual reopening of the economy set to commence on Monday, May 4, 2020.
It would recalled that businesses, excluding essentials, had been shut in these locations since March 29 after the President announced a lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
However, President Buhari had on Monday announced a gradual and phased ease of the lockdown restrictions in Lagos, Ogun and FCT for the resumption of economic activities.
Read Also: Breaking: President Buhari Approves Gradual Ease Of Lockdown In Lagos, Ogun And FCT From 4th Of May
Sani stated that federal offices, food processing companies and companies in the manufacturing and construction sectors would also be allowed to open.
He added that;
For government offices, government staff will be allowed to resume from the 4 of May but it will be based on specific grade levels and specific days so that we can reduce the amount of congestion that we might have in our government offices and we will be discussing further with state governments to make sure that we have a common approach to this.
Sani reiterated that;
Banks will be allowed to open but there will be a restriction in the opening hours to between 8am to 2pm and together with all the other preventive measures I have already mentioned.
He revealed that regarding agriculture and rural development, companies involved in food processing can commence operation.
According to him, critical roads will be allowed for construction sites but waivers will be provided by state governments to enable movement.
Sani stressed that;
For the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, we will encourage shift work and limiting staff to only 30 to 50% to maintain social distancing and pharmacy shops may remain open overnight.
He, however, noted that precautions like self-distancing, use of temperature monitors and hand hygiene be enforced in these locations.
Sani also advised people aged above age 65 to avoid mingling with the general public to avoid contracting the virus.
Meanwhile, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it is set to resume forex sale to commercial banks.
In a statement on Wednesday, the apex bank said the move will ensure forex availability to parents who wish to pay foreign tuition and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) who need forex for essential imports.
Isaac Okarafor, CBN director of corporate communications, noted that the decision is in view of the gradual easing of the lockdown both globally and in Nigeria.
According to Okorafor, the CBN will provide over $100 million per week for both categories.
