Coronavirus: FG shuts land borders totally

<!– Secretary to the Govt of the Federation, Boss Mustapha –>

Secretary to the Govt of the Federation, Boss Mustapha

Nigeria’s Federal Government has ordered a total shutdown the nation’s land borders indefinitely as the deadly Coronavirus pandemic bites harder.

The decision to close the borders was as a result of the rise in coronavirus cases.

The borders since last year August were partially shut.

The nation has recorded 40 cases of the deadly disease, with one death and two treated successfully.

At a news conference on Monday, the Presidential Task Force for the Control of Covid-19 said the move was an additional one to curb the spread of the disease.

Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said all land borders that had been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020.

He said in order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular would be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to direct actions to be taken immediately.

“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,” he said.

Mustapha’s Statement:

In furtherance of our ongoing engagement with the public and stakeholders through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), I have found it necessary to update you on recent developments regarding the management of matters arising from COVID-19 Pandemic.

Let me remind you that as at the time the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), briefed you earlier today, the numbers from the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the virus has covered 192 countries, reporting over 329,000 cases. In Africa, 42 out of 54 countries have reported cases while 48 deaths have been recorded.

In Nigeria 36 cases have been reported and one fatality has occurred. The first responders, particularly the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), continues to attend to reports received through telephone calls and other medium.

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;
*The total ban on international travels shall commence at 12.00 midnight tonight at all our airports; and
* 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.

Ladies and gentlemen, after a further review, Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures:
*Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice;
*Postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;
* All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020;
*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;
*If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;
*Federal Government, is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 Pandemic; and
*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.

Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr. President and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup this national response. However, 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. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) shall be updating Nigerians from time to time when the need arise.
10. I thank you very much.

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