The federal government on Wednesday lifted the restrictions on social gatherings, travels and midnight curfew with immediate effect.

The restrictions were imposed by the government in 2020 to curb the spread of then-raging coronavirus.

A statement issued by the president steering committee on COVID-19 said the restrictions was reviewed due to the reduced risk of getting infected with the new variants and the availability of vaccines.

The government noted that travels restrictions has also been lifted while citizens are advised to refrain from non-essential movement and comply with non-pharmaceutical interventions guidelines such as the mandatory use of face mask or facial coverings in public.

The government said that Nigerians are advised to make use of face mask for “indoor activities but at individual’s discretion during outdoor activities.”

The government said there are no limitation on air travels both domestic and international flights although travellers must abide to the existing protocols including the use of face mask while on board and taking personal precaution measures.

The government said there are no limits of the numbers of passengers on inter or intra-state travels.

The PSC added, “However it is advisable to continue measures that will reduce congestion in office spaces such as virtual meetings, working from home or on-and-off days.

“Limitation on number of persons and 50% limit on persons attending religious gatherings is lifted. Face masks must continue to be used in all indoor religious gatherings.

“All recreational venues, gyms and indoor sports facilities are allowed to open at 50% capacity.

“Limitation on the number of persons attending informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, seminars, end of year events has been lifted.”