The Lagos State Government, on Saturday, December 26, revealed it is now mandatory for intending couples to obtain clearance from the state government to hold weddings with 300 people in attendance.
This was contained in a notice by the state government, titled, ‘Stay At Home’.
“Weddings and social gatherings must not exceed 300 people with prior clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission,” the notice partly read.
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Furthermore, this development was confirmed by the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, in an interview.
He said the state government is concerned about large gatherings and big weddings; as the state experiences a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Mojola stated that the clearance is free and prospective couples will have to go on the Commission’s website to input the details of their weddings; adding that safety marshals will be deployed to such events to enforce all Covid protocols to prevent any possible spread of the virus.
The director-general said, “If it is not a big wedding, maybe 50 people, 100 people, we are not really concerned. But if it is a large gathering with 300 people and above; it is mandatory that you get clearance. It is a free clearance; no payment whatsoever.
“The process is not difficult, you go online and input the details of the wedding. There might be a requirement to have safety marshals on ground, depending on the size of the wedding. The move is to put in place some control measures to prevent super-spreader weddings; and hold people accountable. It also helps us with planning.
“For instance, if we are envisaging 500 guests at a wedding, there will be more attention on them. We will do our regular patrols and visit such places to ensure that they comply with safety protocols. We will also forward those locations to our brothers in LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority) and LAMATA (Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority) to be on the lookout that there is a big wedding; and many cars will be coming into a neighbourhood so as to aid efficient traffic management,” Mojola explained.
Earlier, the Commission said security agents have been mandated to ensure full enforcement at weddings; as well as other social gatherings, adding that no one would be deemed to be above the law.
“Any and all breaches of these regulations and public health protocols will lead to immediate closure (of event centres) as well as attract heavy fines, and any other sanctions and penalties deemed fit, in line with the Lagos State Infectious Diseases Control Regulation 2020,” it had stated.
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