COVID-19: FG Shuts Down All Land Boarders, Bans International Travels

BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Federal Government on Monday announced the total closure of all land borders that were hitherto under partial closure closed for human traffic for four weeks effective,  23rd March, 2020;

It also announced the total ban on international travels which is to commence at 12.00 midnight on Monday, March 23, 2020 at all our airports.

The Federal Government also announced the immediate suspension of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings until further notice as well as the postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020.

The government positions were made known by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha at a press conference in Abuja.

Mustapha also said that 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;

The SGF said that if and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;

He also said that the Federal Government, is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 Pandemic.

Mustapha further said; “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 Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce said that 36 cases have been reported with one fatality in Nigeria, adding however the first responders, particularly the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), continues to attend to reports received through telephone calls and other medium.  

In his words; “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.

“As you are all aware, a number of advisories have been issued and measures taken. Part of the measures being taken presently include the following: escalating the nation’s capacity for testing and detection through the acquisition of more testing kits and establishment of additional test centres.

“Acquisition of personnel protection equipment (PPE) for different categories of frontline personnel; enhancing contact tracking; deepening awareness creation; mobilization of experts and trained personnel whether in service or retired;

“Introduction of social distancing policies and banning mass gathering of over fifty (50) persons; closure of schools and tertiary institutions.

“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.”

Mustapha said that the numbers from the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the virus has covered 192 countries, reporting over 329,000 cases, adding that in Africa, 42 out of 54 countries have reported cases while 48 deaths have been recorded so far.  

The SGF assured all Nigerians of the concerns of President Muhammadu Buhari and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup the national response, saying that 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.