The Ogun State Government on Saturday evening announced the closure of its land borders. This closure affects all the neighbouring states and also its international border shared with the Republic of Benin.
The directive, according to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, would take effect from 12 Midnight on Sunday, 29th March 2020. The closure is to last for weeks, after which it can be reviewed.
This restriction disallows movement in and out of the state, in a bid to contain the novel coronavirus.
The statement posited that the closure was to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, not only in the state but also in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa.
“The position of Ogun State is peculiar. It not only shares an international border with the Republic of Benin, it does so with all other states in the South West (except Ekiti), including Lagos State, which has understandably recorded the highest number of infections in the country largely because it hosts the busiest air and seaports and it’s the nation’s economic capital”.
“The border closure will not only be beneficial to Ogun State but the national efforts to curtail and contain the virus. Lessons from other climes strongly indicate that closure of borders has the potential to drastically flatten the curve of spread whilst unrestricted movement portends grave dangers”, Governor Abiodun said.
The statement made clear the exceptions to this order. The only exceptions in interstate restriction are emergency medical services, essential services; like food, petroleum products and medical items.
According to the statement, the border closure would be reviewed regularly as events unfold.
The statement implored the residents to comply with the directive and put safety first, noting that the pandemic can collectively be fought against, if everyone worked together.
It also said, citizens should cooperate with the various security agencies.
