The Lagos state government says it’s cleaning up its data from the various social registers to get a clean list of truly vulnerable and economically challenged persons to enable it to remit some cash to them.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State made this known on Tuesday at a media briefing on the update of COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor said that the state government intends to do the cash transfers by the end of the week to a minimum of 250,000 indigent citizens.

“I am also pleased to announce that all the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who have taken the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) loans and other government programme loans will enjoy a three months moratorium”.

“This will further help to cushion the effect of the lack of economic activities occasioned by the lockdown,” the governor said.

He said that when the first stay-at-home directive was given, a welfare package for the indigents and vulnerable segment of the society was announced, which encountered some hitches.

According to him, in the first and second phases of the programme, government was able to reach over 200,000 households, which include the vulnerable, physically challenged and the elderly.

“During this time as well, we were also able to feed a large number of the organised informal sector; junior members of the military and police force in Lagos, as well as minimum wage earners in the state’s public service.

“As you are also aware, we announced a medical palliative for all those that need to access medical care during this lockdown, as well as free childbirth services for expectant mothers”.

“I am pleased to announce that over 18,000 people have accessed free medical services in line with this directive.

“We have recorded over 600 childbirths, all free of charge,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu also announced that an order had been issued to the Police,  LASTMA and the VIO to release all impounded vehicles arrested for minor traffic offences from March 1, 2020 to date.

He said that this directive took effect following the end of the initial lockdown.