Covid-19: FG Contemplates Complete Lockdown

Chinazor Megbolu

The Federal Government of Nigeria said there may be a complete lockdown from next week.

The Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu made this known on Saturday after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders and said a total lockdown is imminent for 14 days.

“We just ended another meeting of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. Today marked the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Taskforce National Pandemic Response Centre.

“I think it is important to let us know that the country is about to witness turbulent times induced by the pandemic coronavirus. We may soon be hard hit.

“More importantly, the purpose of this message is to give us the privileged information that a complete lockdown of the country is imminent.

“Soon, very soon, perhaps, this weekend, this will take effect and may last for at least 14 days. Therefore, I advise us to immediately make adequate arrangements for our families,” Aliyu said.

He also explained that the reason for the statement is because we, the Nigerian Government, delayed in taking proactive action at the onset.

Aliyu, however, assured that Government is poised about taking steps that would curtail casualties.

“I can assure us that government is serious about taking necessary steps to curtail the level of casualties. Well-coordinated measures are about to be put in place from a broad, diverse spectrum. All the necessary Working Groups have been inaugurated today,” Aliyu said.

He further hinted that international bodies such as World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children Educational Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Project (UNDP), CDC, World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the private sector, civil society groups are partnering the Presidential Taskforce towards providing technical and financial assistance and support.

“Donations are quite streaming in from Global Fund we got $33m, another $3.3m came from another body I cannot give the name immediately.

“Max Air donated $200,000, the Chinese firm, Huawei, doled out #100m. There are a number of other handsome donations.

“We have been holding these meetings with some foreign experts. In the next few days, more concrete action will become manifest,” he said.

Aliyu, however, posited that all relevant institutions are being mobilized for action to tackle the scourge.

He also maintained the taskforce is also galvanising the State Governments to ensure there is effective collaboration and cooperation.

Editing by ‘Biodun Soyele