COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu orders partial closure of banks in Lagos

Lagos State Governor,  Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered a partial closure of all banks in the state as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The governor also asked banks and other financial institutions in the state to make their online banking available and accessible to the public.

Sanwo-Olu made this known in a televised briefing after State’s Security Council meeting held at the State House in Marina, on Tuesday.

According to the governor, the directive takes effect from Thursday, March 26, adding that the directive should not be seen as a lockdown on business activities in the state.

He also advised that only essential and key senior staff should be allowed to work in the office during the restriction period.

Sanwo-Olu advised the organised private sector to take drastic steps as done by the government in the public sector and allow non-essential workers to work from home.

The governor said the restriction measures were necessary, given the rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, noting that the guidelines would be reviewed after seven days.

He said, “It is only when you are alive that you can talk about economics and finance. We want to encourage the organised private sector to allow their workers to work from home.

“Banks and other financial institutions are encouraged to prioritise online channels for their services to the public with only essential key staff being in the office during this time. Only key staff should be present.

“We are a subset of a sovereign. We are not a sovereign. This is why we cannot completely lock down Lagos. We need to be considerate.”