At Last, President Buhari Addresses the Nation, Orders Shutdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun States for 14 Days
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – After much pressure and clamour by Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday finally address the Nation as he orders the shutdown of nonessential businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun States for 14 days.
Lagos, FCT and Ogun have the highest number of recorded cases of the COVID-19 pandemic which national spread stood at 97 as the time of the President’s address to the Nation.
Buhari stressed that some of the measures will surely cause major inconveniences to many citizens. But these are sacrifices we should all be willing and ready to make for the greater good of our country.
He noted that in Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction, adding that it is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts.
He said that accordingly, as a Government, the administration will continue to rely on the guidance of medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.
The President therefore urge all citizens to adhere to the medical professional’s guidelines as they are released from time to time.
He further said; “As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.
“This is why we provided an initial intervention of fifteen billion Naira (N15b) to support the national response as we fight to contain and control the spread.”
The President then declared; “Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.
“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.
“The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.
“We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.
“This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.
“Furthermore, commercial establishments such as;
- food processing, distribution and retail companies;
- petroleum distribution and retail entities,
- power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and
- private security companies are also exempted.”
President Buhari further said; “Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.
“Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.”
Buhari said that from the first signs that Coronavirus, or COVID-19 was turning into an epidemic and was officially declared a world-wide emergency, the Federal Government started planning preventive, containment and curative measures in the event the disease hits Nigeria.
He said that the whole instruments of government are now mobilized to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis, adding that since Nigeria confirmed its first case on February 27, 2020, it has seen the number of confirmed cases rise slowly.
The President announced with regrets that Nigeria recorded its first fatality, being a former employee of PPMC, who died on March 23, 2020, saying that our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time just as he prayed for quick recovery for those infected and undergoing treatment.
Buhari said that as of today, COVID-19 has no cure, adding that Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine, adding that the Federal Government is in touch with the various institutions as they work towards a solution that will be certified by international and local medical authorities within the shortest possible time.
According to him; “For now, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.
“As individuals, we remain the greatest weapon to fight this pandemic. By washing our hands regularly with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow and strictly adhering to infection prevention control measures in health facilities, we can contain this virus.”
Buhari said that since the outbreak was reported in China, the Federal Government has been monitoring the situation closely and studying the various responses adopted by other countries, adding that the Drector General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was one of ten global health leaders invited by the World Health Organisation to visit China and understudy their response approach. I am personally very proud of Dr Ihekweazu for doing this on behalf of all Nigerians.
He further said; “Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programs in Nigeria to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimized. We ask all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force.
“Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities.”
The President said that in Nigeria, the government has been taking a two-step approach that include, first, to protect the lives of fellow Nigerians and residents living here and secondly, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners to ensure their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.
He said that to date, the government has introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in its response, adding that the administration shall continue to do so as the situation unfolds.
