Lagos Govt. imposes N100,000 fine, jail term for defaulters as lawmakers pass COVID-19 bill

Per Second NewsMarch 26, 2020331

In a bid to ensure total compliance with its emergency regulations on Coronavirus, Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday passed a bill to that effect.

The bill stipulates a fine of N100,000 for defaulters of coronavirus lockdown and

one month imprisonment or three months community service.

PerSecondNews reports that the bill entitled, “Emergency Coronavirus Pandemic Bill 2020”, was sponsored by the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.

The bill was presented on the floor of the House by the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Noheem Adams and was passed after it scaled the first and second readings and also referred to the Committee on Health for further deliberation.

The bill when assented to by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will empower him to spend an initial N20 billion to effectively contain the virus and enforce compliance by residents.

It also requests governor to make recourse back to the House before any regulation is made.

Where the offence is not spelt out, it attracts N200,000 and also allows the leadership of the various arms of government to structure their own restriction format.

Section 8 of the bill makes provision for the Coronavirus Trust Fund.

In addition, the bill empowers the governor to declare a state of emergency of up to three months if the situation requires so.

Contributing to the debate on the bill, Mr Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja constituency 2) noted that it was important to alleviate the impact of coronavirus on the state economy.

“The bill will enable the Executive to expend necessary funds to contain the virus by providing adequate facilities in the state-owned hospitals,” he said.

Mr Rotimi Olowo (Somolu I) noted that the spread of the virus is unprecedented and therefore required stringent measures to forestall the pandemic.

“The bill should be alive for life.”

Obasa said the contingency plan in the budget could not address the current scourge.

“Government needs to be seen doing something, making effective pronouncements.

“The governor can make recourse back to the House if need be. If the budget procedure takes much time that can’t suffice, the kick-off fund will help.”