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Government shuts land borders, urges Abuja, Lagos residents to stay at home

Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation

* Federal Government orders non-essential workers on Grade Level 12 and below to remain at home

* COVID-19 pandemic cases rise to 300, 000 globally ─WHO

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

As the spread of the global pandemic afflicts several economies and dislocates socio-economic activities of peoples in recent times, the Federal Government of Nigeria has released further measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Pandemic, announced the latest measures at a press conference, in Abuja, FCT, Monday, March 23.

ConsumerConnect gathered that such practical measures include full closure of Nigeria’s land borders for four weeks effective from Tuesday, March 24; suspension of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings until further notice; and postponement of the next meeting of the Council of State; and advisory to Lagosians and Abuja residents to stay at home as a social distancing strategy with regard to the two cities’ large populations, mobility, and number of cases already reported, and the need to control the spread of COVID-19.

The Federal Government, meanwhile, has ordered the non-essential Federal Civil Servants on Grade Level 12 and below to stay away from work till further notice, just as the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that cases of Coronavirus pandemic had increased to 300,000 worldwide.

Below is the text of the SGF’s statement to Nigerians at the press conference:

“​In furtherance of our ongoing engagement with the public and stakeholders through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), I have found it necessary to update you on recent developments regarding the management of matters arising from COVID-19 Pandemic.

“Let me remind you that as of 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.

“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 Disease 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 among Nigerians.

“The strategy of government is to focus on testing, detection and containment through contact tracking in order to minimise 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.

“As you are all aware, a number of advisories have been issued and measures taken.  Part of the measures being taken presently includes the following:

“i. Escalating the nation’s capacity for testing and detection ​​​through the acquisition of more testing kits and​​​​ establishment of additional test centres;

“ii. Acquisition of personnel protection equipment (PPE) for ​​​different categories of frontline personnel;

​“iii. ​Enhancing contact tracking;

“iv. Deepening awareness creation;

​“v.​ Mobilisation of experts and trained personnel whether in ​​​service or retired;

“vi. Introduction of social distancing policies and banning mass ​​gathering of over fifty (50) persons;

​“vii. ​Closure of schools and tertiary institutions;

​“viii.​ The total ban on international travels shall commence at 12.00 ​​midnight tonight at all our airports; and

​“ix.​ Leaders of different faiths have been encouraged to restrict ​​services and activities that involve mass gathering of more ​​than ​fifty of their adherents. State governments are also ​​​enforcing this policy at different levels.

“Ladies and gentlemen, after a further review, Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures:

“i.​ Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice;

“ii. Postponement of the meeting of the Council of State ​​​scheduled for Thursday, 26th March, 2020;

​“iii. ​All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure ​​shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, ​​23rd March, 2020;

“iv. 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;

“v. If and when the need arises, any national assets required for ​​use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilised and ​​​deployed;

“vi. Federal Government is, at the highest level, engaging with ​​State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and ​​​effective response to COVID-19 Pandemic; and

​“vii. ​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.

“Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr. President and his determination to mobilise all resources to backup this national response.

However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) shall be updating Nigerians from time to time when the need arise.”

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