President Muhammadu
Buhari has extended the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the federal capital
territory (FCT) by one week.
In a nationwide
broadcast on Monday, the president explained that he consulted widely before
taking the decision.
He commended
Nigerians for the level of endurance shown throughout the four weeks that the
lockdown has lasted.
Buhari advised
Nigerians to adhere the guidelines of the presidential task force on COVID-19
and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Full text of President Buhari’s address
Full text of President Buhari’s address
ADDRESS BY H.E.
MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE
CUMULATIVE LOCKDOWN ORDER OF LAGOS AND OGUN STATES AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL
CAPITAL TERRITORY ON COVID- 19 PANDEMIC AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA, MONDAY, 27th
APRIL, 2020
1. Fellow Nigerians
2. I will start by
commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our
collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.
3. As at yesterday,
26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded
globally with about 900,000 recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have
passed away as a result of this pandemic.
4. The health
systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the
coronavirus pandemic.
5. Nigeria continues
to adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. Today, I will present
the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming months fully aware
that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.
6. Exactly two weeks
ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital
Territory.
7. As at this
morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across 32 States and the FCT.
Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths.
8. I am using this
opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians
that have lost their loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is
our collective loss and we share your grief.
9. Initial models
predicted that Nigeria will record an estimated 2,000 confirmed cases in the
first month after the index case.
10. This means that
despite the increase in the number of confirmed cases recorded in the past two
weeks, the measures we have put in place thus far have yielded positive
outcomes against the projections.
11. The proportion
of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases,
showing that our border closures yielded positive results. These are mostly
fellow Nigerians returning through our land borders. We will continue to
enforce land border arrival protocols as part of the containment strategy.
12. Today, the
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited 15 laboratories across
the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across
the country.
13. Based on your
feedback, Lagos State Government and the FCT with support from NCDC have
established several sample collection centers. They are also reviewing their
laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests they can
perform including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the
accreditation criteria.
14. Several new
fully equipped treatment and isolation centres have been operationalised across
the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand.
15. I commend the
State Governors for the activation of State-level Emergency Operation Centres,
establishment of new treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk
communication strategies.
16. Over 10,000
healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal
protective equipment have been distributed to all the states.
17. Although we have
experienced logistical challenges, we remain committed to establishing a solid
supply chain process to ensure these heroic professionals can work safely and
are properly equipped.
18. In keeping with
our Government’s promise to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, we have
signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and
other incentives with key health sector professional associations.
19. We have also
procured insurance cover for 5,000 frontline health workers. At this point, I
must commend the insurance sector for their support in achieving this within a
short period of time.
20. Nigeria has also
continued to receive support from the international community, multilateral
agencies, the private sector and public-spirited individuals. This support has
ensured that critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become
scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original equipment
manufacturers and government-to-government processes.
21. The distribution
and expansion of palliatives which I directed in my earlier broadcast is still
on-going in a transparent manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being
faced by expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise
patience as we continue to fine tune our logistical and distribution processes
working with the State Governments.
22. Our Security
Agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation.
While we feel deeply concerned about isolated security incidents, I want to
assure all Nigerians that your safety and security remain our primary concern
especially in these difficult and uncertain times.
23. As we focus on
protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuse by
our security agencies. The few reported incidences are regrettable, and I want
to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice.
24. I urge all
Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they
encounter security agents. Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed
that the personnel of all the security agencies be provided with the necessary
personal protective equipment against infection.
25. As we continue
to streamline our response in the centres of Lagos and the FCT, I am gravely
concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days. Although
an in-depth investigation is still on-going, we have decided to deploy
additional Federal Government manpower, material and technical resources to
strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts, with immediate effect.
26. In Kano, and
indeed many other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings
show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community
transmission.
27. Drawing from
these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories
published by the Presidential Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease
Control.
28. These include
regular hand washing, physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in
public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large
gatherings.
29. Fellow
Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our country have been under
either Federal Government or State Government lockdown. As I mentioned earlier,
these steps were necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the
spread of COVID-19 in our country.
30. However, such
lockdowns have also come at a very heavy economic cost. Many of our citizens
have lost their means of livelihood. Many businesses have shut down. No country
can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the
development of vaccines.
31. In my last
address, I mentioned that Federal Government will develop strategies and
policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods.
32. In these two
weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively
worked hard on how to balance the need to protect health while also preserving
livelihoods, leveraging global best practices while keeping in mind our
peculiar circumstances.
33. We assessed how
our factories, markets, traders and transporters can continue to function while
at the same time adhering to NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.
34. We assessed how
our children can continue to learn without compromising their health.
35. We reviewed how
our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our
food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely
transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones
and ultimately, to the key consumption centres.
36. Our goal was to
develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to
function while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID-19
pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the
world.
37. Based on the
above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on
COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed
socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a
phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective
from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
38. However, this
will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact
tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business
activities in certain sectors.
39. Furthermore, new
nationwide measures are to be introduced as follows;
a. There will be an
overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited
during this period except for essential services;
b. There will be a
ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice;
c. Partial and
controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the
movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and
d. We will strictly
ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to
maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the
restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place. State
Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to
support the production of cloth masks for citizens.
40. For the
avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain
in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020.
41. The Presidential
Task Force shall provide sector specific details to allow for preparations by
Governments, businesses and institutions.
42. In respect to
the above guidelines, State Governors may choose to adapt and expand based on
their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines
issued above.
43. To support our
businesses and traders, the monetary and fiscal authorities shall deploy all
the necessary provisions needed for production to continue and thus, jobs
restored.
44. These revised
guidelines will not apply to Kano State.
45. With regards to
Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two
weeks effective immediately. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary
human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and
containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to
neighbouring States.
46. I wish to once
again, commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis,
risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the
line of duty, rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support you
and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this
opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remain
paramount to our Government.
47. I will also
recognise the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the
Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic
Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation
and support have significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to
date.
48. I will urge you
all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of the
coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they
strictly comply with public health advisories.
49. I also thank the
Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard
work to date. Through this collaboration, I remain confident that success is
achievable.
50. I also wish to
thank corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN system, the European
Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the
responsibility of supporting our response.
51. And finally, I
will thank all Nigerians again for your patience and cooperation during this
difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue
to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our
citizens and residents.
52. I thank you for
listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
What about schools?
ReplyDeleteWill they be open.
Adults can adhere to all the safety guidelines
Kids are prone to so silly things in school