Plateau Lockdown Pass Now Online But Night Curfew Remains

Officials in Plateau State are considering an online lockdown exemption application system to help citizens with emergency needs move within limited time.

It is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and likely the entire African continent, designed to process only ten applications in a day, for the meanwhile.

The online pass is only valid for 12hours and might in time be accessible through USSD, said Mr. David Daser, the Director General of the Plateau State Information Communication Technology Development Agency.

“We understand the challenges the lockdown is putting us all into and we very much understand the gains of the lockdown in addressing the spread of covid-19.

“We are piloting an online platform where residents within Jos North and Jos South would find it really interesting in accessing pass or movement permits online.

“The situation room thought it wise to ensure that people with emergencies and special needs that require movement within this local governments are able to apply for a temporary pass or permits to be presented at checkpoints.

“If you need to move and you think two hours is enough time to carry out activities like ATM withdrawal, access a pharmaceutical store or some other listed reasons on the portal you may do so via the platform.

“You may not be granted pass or permit on the application day; you will however be able to apply against the next day except for special emergencies,” Mr. Daser wrote on his Facebook timeline on Tuesday.

The State is currently on 24hr lockdown from Monday to Thursday, with a Federal curfew from 8pm to 6am running concurrently.

Nonessential workers who flout these guidelines at evenings or mornings without permits, are in outright disobedience to constituted authority, said Mr. Dan Manjang, the State’s Commissioner of Information and Communication.

“The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to the flagrant disregard to government orders with regards to Corona Virus (COVID-19).

“Notable is the Presidential order which imposed a curfew on the country lasting between 8.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m each day.

“The curfew imposed is sill in force and should be strictly observed until otherwise reviewed, failure of which culprits should have themselves to blame.

“Wearing of masks is mandatory and should be ruthlessly enforced by the security agents saddled which such responsibility.

“Government has also utterly noted with dismay, an emerging culture which negates all intents and purposes in the name of jogging where people come out in their hundreds with total disregard to not only social distancing but in defiance of the lock down order.

“Government would like to advice those involved to desist failure of which this act will be treated as an affront to constituted authority,” said Manjang in a press statement on Wednesday.