And so the speculations came true. The President
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari in his broadcast today has
extended "the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as
well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of
April, 2020."
He acknowledged that this was "a
difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision.
The evidence is clear."
- Though
he acknowledged the difficulties and hardship the lockdown has caused us,
he however pleaded that such sacrifice was needed to limit the spread of
the coronavirus in Nigeria and save lives.
- He
acknowledged the support from various traditional rulers, the
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council
for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during this pandemic.
- He
acknowledged the support and contributions received from public
spirited individuals, the business community and our international
partners and friends.
- He
noted that over 7,000 Healthcare workers had been trained on infection
prevention and control and NCDC teams had been deployed to 19 States of
the Federation.
- In
the last fourteen days alone, over 70,000 people have died worldwide due
to this disease.
- Here
in Nigeria, we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th
March 2020. We had two fatalities then.
- This
morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately
we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts
for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the
two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.
- Majority
of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent
international travel history or those that came into contact with
returnees from international trips.
- By
closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for
seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our
country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases
is alarming.
- Having
signed the Quarantine Order and additional regulations for the COVID-19
pandemic, it will be released soon.
- He
stated that he has directed that the current social register be
expanded from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million households in the next
two weeks.
- Today,
the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition
of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing
the transmission of the virus. By sustaining these measures, combined with
extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the
spread of the disease.
After his address to the Nation, the total number
of COVID-19 in Nigeria had risen to 343. 91 of these had been discharged and 10
dead.
O Lord, heal the Earth of this raging pandemic in Jesus Name! Amen.
