President Buhari has extended the lockdown in Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun state by one week. In his broadcast this evening, the President said the lockdown would be phased off gradually beginning from May 4th. He recognized the economic impact of the lockdown and approved a total lockdown in Kano for two weeks. The President mentioned the Federal Government will develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively worked hard on balancing the need to protect health while preserving livelihoods. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID nineteen, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, he has approved for a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos, and Ogun States effective from May 4th, 2020 at 9 am. The highlights of the new nationwide measures are as follows: selected businesses and offices can open from 9 am to 6 pm, there will be an overnight curfew from 8 pm to 6 am, a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice, partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed to allow for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers, and the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. The restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organizations, and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens. For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos & Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Saturday, 2nd May 2020 at 9 am.