After four weeks since Nigeria’s first case of the novel
coronavirus disease. (COVID-19) was recorded, President Muhammadu Buhari
finally addressed the nation on Sunday.
During his national address, the president explained the
country’s strategy for curbing the virus and ordered some policy responses to
curb its spread.
Here are five things we learnt from Buhari’s speech:
LOCKDOWN LAGOS, ABUJA, AND OGUN
Speaking on state TV, the president said “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.
“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.”
STIPEND FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE
The president also said, “for the most vulnerable in our
society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two
months be paid immediately”.
“We also call on all Nigerians to take personal
responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities,
helping them with whatever they may need.
“As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall
continue planning for all eventualities.”
TWO MONTH FOOD SUPPLY FOR IDPS
Buhari also said food items will be distributed to
internally displaced persons for two months.
“Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two
months of food rations in the coming weeks,” the president said. He expressed
gratitude to the private sector for standing up to the challenge.
“We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the
private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development
partners.
“At this point, I will ask that all contributions and
donations be coordinated and centralized to ensure efficient and impactful
spending. The Presidential Task Force remains the central coordinating body on
the COVID-19 response.”
SUSPENSION OF LOAN REPAYMENT TO FG
Buhari, who said COVID-19 is a health and economic
challenge, ordered the suspension of repayment of federal government loans for
three months.
“I have directed that a three-month repayment moratorium for
all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate
effect.
“I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to
all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of
Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.
“For on-lending facilities using capital from international
and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial
institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to
ease the pains of the borrowers.”
CONVERT ALL FG STADIUMS TO ISOLATION CENTRES
As far as isolation goes, the president “directed that all
Federal Government Stadiums, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted
to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals”.
“My fellow Nigerians, as a Government, we will avail all
necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed
to do whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country.”
NO MOVEMENT OF PRIVATE JETS
The president also announced that the “movements of all
passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended.
Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.
“We are fully aware that such measures will cause much
hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and
death, if we look at the dreadful daily toll of deaths in Italy, France and
Spain.”
JOURNALISTS AND OTHER EXEMPTIONS
There were a few exemptions to most of the president’s
orders on shutdowns. According to him, “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.
Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print
and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are
also exempted.”
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