PRESIDENTIAL STEERING COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES FOR PHASED RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT
 

Section I. Guidance:

The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 has reviewed the country’s COVID-19 response in light of the rising trend in several countries and the high risk of a surge in cases in Africa.

In the week of 26th April, 2021, the PSC took a precautionary step by restricting travel from three countries - Brazil, India and Turkey – where there is a high incidence of cases, high fatality rate and widespread prevalence of variants of concern. Additionally, the PSC continues to reinforce the surveillance system at the country’s Points-of Entry. 

While the country’s vaccine roll-out has begun, there is a shortage in global supplies affected by the current situation in India. This translates to a delay in vaccinating a large proportion of the population, and therefore a risk of a large outbreak especially in the context of poor adherence to the recommended public health and social measures. 

There are strong concerns about the non-compliance to public health and social measures contained in the CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) HEALTH PROTECTION REGULATIONS 2021. Specifically, the level of adherence to the use of facemasks, physical distancing, temperature checks in public places, hand washing and limitations placed on large gatherings remain very poor. In some areas and instance, non-existent.

In line with the increasing risk of a surge in cases, the PSC is re-instituting the enforcement of the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations. This is to mitigate the risk of a spike in new cases, while the nationwide vaccine rollout continues. The national response continues to focus on achieving a balance between preserving lives and livelihoods while working towards long term epidemic control.

Further to this recommendation and effective from 00:01 hours of Tuesday, 11th May, 2021, this Phase Four of the phased restriction of movements shall come into effect: 

• Restrictions on mass gatherings outside workplace settings, with a maximum number of 50 people in enclosed spaces (weddings, funerals etc.). Approved gatherings must be held with physical distancing measures and other nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in place and enforced;

• Enforcement of mandatory requirements for a 7-day quarantine for all international passengers arriving from all countries, while institutional quarantine for international passengers arriving from specific high burden countries;

• Enforce temperature checks and “No-Mask, No-Entry” policy in all public settings, workplace buildings, businesses, places of worship, recreational facilities, markets and motor parks. Access to government and commercial premises should be denied for persons not wearing facemasks;

• Maintain restriction on resumption to work of government staff from GL.12 and below;

• Limit government meetings to virtual platforms as much as possible while maintaining restrictions on physical meetings including official trips, oversight visits and board meetings until further notice; 

• Event centres, bars and night clubs shall remain closed until further notice; and 

• Restaurants to provide eat-in at 50% capacity and provide takeaways, drive throughs and home delivery.

These measures are to enable the Government of Nigeria effectively prevent and/or control the resurgence of an acute phase of this pandemic, continue to strengthen our public health systems, and to protect the lives of Nigerians and our economy.

It is critical that greater ownership and responsibility for these measures are secured from both the general public and government institutions across Federal and State levels, with enforcement by the relevant authorities. 

It is believed that these steps will help consolidate the gains made thus far and position the country to effectively overcome the pandemic going forward. 

Section II. Protocols for Restrictions:

The PSC has made these recommendations in line with the three established thematic areas: 

• · Movement;
• · Industry and Labour; and
• · Community Activities.

These safety protocols provide a baseline from which State Governments may further build on, to strengthen their responses based on their local circumstances. States should continue to consider them as the minimum guidelines required to ensure an acceptable level of epidemic control nationwide. 

The table below expands on each of the thematic areas mentioned in this paragraph (underlines passages reflect new changes to protocol): 

GENERAL MOVEMENT

INDUSTRY & LABOUR 

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES