The Lagos State Government has urged residents of the state to comply with all restriction measures imposed by the government to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state.
The state government said that Lagosians who violate the 12am to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government and other protocols could be fined up to N500,000 for defaulting when caught.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, made the statement during an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday.
It further urged all churches in the state to respect the curfew and avoid physical crossover services and large gatherings on December 31, 2020.
“If you flout any of these rules, you can be fined. You will be taken to court and the magistrate will decide on the sanction. The fine can be between N20,000 and N500,000. It depends on the magistrate’s discretion,” he said.
“But it is not just about punishing people. People are being advised to take responsibility. The regulations were rolled out as an advisory and people have been obeying while people who have disobeyed have faced the consequences.”
Omotoso also expressed optimism that religious leaders in the state would comply with the directive of the government on the crossover services.
“With what we have been seeing, I don’t think churches will flout the protocols. CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) is in agreement with the government. Covid cases are going up and everybody is worried. Some of the giant churches have also announced that they won’t be holding physical crossover services.
“The Lagos State Government has also told them that there is a curfew by midnight to 4am imposed by the Federal Government. Many of the churches have been adjusting their programmes. Churches are well-organised and we believe they will comply,” the commissioner said.
