COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu to review Lagos lockdown

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said his government will review the almost 28 days long lockdown in the state in the next seven days.

Onyxnews Nigeria reports that Sanwo-Olu, at the second virtual meeting with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) on the COVID-19 Business Challenges and Support, promised them that “strategic relaxation of the lockdown may be implemented.”

This reliable online news platform understands that the meeting was convened under the umbrella of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and attended by 28 managing directors/CEOs of businesses and organisations in Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu also assured the CEOs that he would speak to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to address the issues of charges on cash deposits and clearing of cheque, especially during the lockdown.

The governor would also speak with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, to facilitate the fast-tracking of clearance of necessary raw materials from Lagos ports as well as speaking with his colleagues in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to increase easy accessibility of businesses in their states.

“More assistance will be given to (business) organisations involved in packaging to enable them to support other essential sectors,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor, however, sought the assurance of the captains of business community that supply and distribution of essential goods and products would continue in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said: “To ensure stability of prices during this critical period and post COVID-19 period as the purchasing power of the masses would likely be weakened and adversely impacted by the scourge.”

Sanwo-Olu also urged businesses to “endeavour to ensure that job security is guaranteed.”

He assured the CEOs that his office would “be open to further collaboration and suggestions in writing from organised businesses on how to drive growth and development in Lagos State.”