The federal government Monday ordered the immediate closure if the country’s land borders as part of initiatives to contain the spread of Coronavirus disease.Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, said the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting has been suspended.
The SGF, who is the chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the Control of Coronavirus, said the Council of State meeting, the highest decision making body in the country, scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 26, 2020, has also been suspended.
“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,” he said.
The said the federal government was engaging with governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 pandemic.The SGF said all Abuja and Lagos residents should stay at home and avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings.
He assured Nigerians of the present administration’s determination to mobilize resources to backup the current national response on the Coronavirus.“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.
3.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,” he said.
