Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu who in company of other senior Police Officers visited different Police Check Points in the State to monitor compliance with curfew order, has ordered relocation of some checkpoints to enable seamless movement of essential workers during working hours.
The monitoring team noticed that some essential service workers were trapped in the gridlock that build up due to thorough checks, especially on trucks likely to have large number of persons concealed for interstates travel.
It took a lot of efforts for the CP and his team to create access routes for those on essential duties to pass.
The observation made by Commissioner of Police and his team, informed the decision to relocate the enforcement check points to more spacious and conducive locations.
The new locations have u-turns very close to easily turn back vehicles that are not on essential duties thereby paving way for essential service workers to easily move.
According to Presidential guidelines issued, essential service workers include hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.
Commercial establishments such as: food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities; power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are also exempted. Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.
Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.
The Commissioner of Police expressed his satisfaction with the improvements noticed, as well as, the high level of compliance with the curfew order by residents. He commended Lagosians for their cooperation and understanding in this trial moments. He enjoins residents to continue to support the Police and other law enforcement agencies in the battle against COVID-19.
In a related development, On 5/5/22020, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State and his counterpart in Ogun State visited checkpoints jointly man by Lagos and Ogun States in boundary communities, to replicate the measures adopted for easy movements of essential service workers. Security is tightened around the boundary communities to prevent non essential interstates movements.
For complainants and inquiries call the following numbers 09010512352, 09010512353, 09010512355, 09010512356 and 09010512358.