The Nigeria government has apparently bowed to pressure from its citizens to shut down the country’s borders to contain the ravaging effects of Covid-19 before it becomes a pandemic in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has announced a total shut down of Nigeria’s land borders against all human movement for four weeks in order to check the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
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The government also went a step further by suspending the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Indefinitely.
The latest measures were announced by Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation and chairman of the presidential task force on Covid-19 on Monday.
According to Mustapha, the council of state meeting scheduled for Thursday also stands postponed.
Addressing newsmen, Boss Mustapha said:
“Ladies and gentlemen, after a further review, Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures: Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice; postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;
“All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020; in order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately;
“All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given.”
The government secretary thereafter gave a live update about Covid-19 casualties across the world as provided by the WHO.
“As at the time the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), briefed you earlier today, the numbers from the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the virus has covered 192 countries, reporting over 329,000 cases,” he said.
“In Africa, 42 out of 54 countries have reported cases while 48 deaths have been recorded. In Nigeria, 36 cases have been reported and one fatality has occurred. The first responders, particularly the National Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC), continues to attend to reports received through telephone calls and other medium.
“We commend Nigerians for stepping out to report and/or make enquires through the dedicated hotlines. Records show that on Sunday, 22nd March, 2020, over 4500 calls were received. This shows the high level of awareness amongst Nigerians.
“The strategy of government is to focus on testing, detection and containment through contact tracking in order to minimize hugely, the possibility of community spread. We urge anyone experiencing the symptoms of the virus or has been in contact with anyone who has been suspected or tested positive to please report at the nearest medical facility or the designated center.
“The Presidential Task Force (PTF) continues to monitor the global and domestic developments and has isolated Lagos and Abuja for particular attention in view of their population, mobility and number of cases already reported.”