FG extends gradual easing of lockdown by two weeks

<!– Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) –>

Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Federal Government on Monday extended the gradual easing of Coronavirus lockdown by two weeks across the nation.

Boss Mustapha, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said this at a briefing.

He said the nation was not ready for full re-opening of the economy yet and that there would be stricter enforcement of the gradual easing of the lockdown to ensure that people obey.

Mustapha said the outcomes of the first phase of the eased lockdown had been mixed, saying that while some objectives were met, assessment showed that non-compliance was rampant, but said the PTF nevertheless continued to persuade the populace through its messaging and daily briefing, on the need to take responsibility.

​According to Mustapha, “the reality is that in spite of the modest progress made, Nigeria is not yet ready for full opening of the economy and tough decisions have to be taken for the good of the greater majority.

“Any relaxation will only portend grave danger for our populace. Advisedly, the current phase of eased restriction will be maintained for another two weeks during which stricter enforcement and persuasion measures will be pursued.

“The two weeks extension of Phase one of the eased restriction is also to enable other segments of the economy prepare adequately for compliance with the guidelines, preparatory to reopening in the coming weeks. For the PTF, we share your pains but our future is in the hands of every Nigerian and future decisions will depend greatly on our compliance.”

Mustapha added that based on the recommendations of the PTF, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved that the measures, exemptions, advisories and scope of entities allowed to reopen under phase one of the eased locked down, shall be maintained across the federation for another two weeks effective from 12:00 midnight today (18th May, 2020 to 1st June, 2020).

He said Buhari had approved ​intensifying efforts to “tell (communicate), trace (identify) and treat (manage)’ cases; elevating the level of community ownership of non-pharmaceutical interventions; maintain the existing lockdown order in Kano for an additional two weeks; imposition of precision lockdown in states, or in metropolitan/high-burden LGAs, that are reporting a rapidly increasing number of cases, when the need arises.

“This would be complemented with the provision of palliatives and continued re-evaluation of the impact of the interventions; and aggressive scale up of efforts to ensure that communities are informed, engaged and participating in the response with enhanced public awareness in high risk states,” he said.

The PTF chairman stated that the level of compliance had been reviewed and that a specific directive had been issued to the security agencies to carry out strict enforcement of all measures.

“These include the nationwide curfew from 8.00pm to 6.00pm; the ban on interstate travels and the wearing of facemasks/coverings in public.

“The security agents are however urged to be mindful of the human rights of citizens, while citizens are equally urged to recognize the dangers posed to self, their loved ones and the entire community if they fail to take responsibility.

“Let me state categorically, that the exemptions allowed under the phase one are still in place. Particularly, Government remains conscious of the fact that we are in the rainy season and farming activities is critical to food and national security. It should therefore, not be hindered. I therefore urge States and Security agencies to support, encourage and allow our farmers to carry out their activities,” he said.