The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has extended the restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by 14 more days.
He made this announcement in a nationwide broadcast on Monday, 13th April, 2020.
He said;
“Having carefully considered the briefings and report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend 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 noted that the extension would be effective from 11:59 pm on Monday and urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government in the fight against COVID-19.
Explaining why he took the decision, the President stated that it was important to curb the spread of the disease through community transmission.
He said;
“This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square.
“The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy, and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We cannot be lax.”
President Buhari believes the restriction of movement, as well as physical distancing measures and prohibition of mass gatherings have remained the most effective ways of curbing the spread of coronavirus.
He said Nigeria could take control and limit the spread of COVID-19 that by sustaining the measures, in addition to extensive testing and contact tracing.
He further urged Nigerians to notify the relevant authorities if they or loved ones develop any symptoms. According to him, all health care professionals would redouble their efforts to identify all suspected cases, bring them into care and prevent transmission to others.
In his words;
“The previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain. This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear. The repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable. We must not lose the gains achieved thus far. We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission. We must endure a little longer.”
The President stressed that considering this, and after a careful review of the briefings and report from the Presidential Task Force, it became necessary to extend the lockdown in the two states and the FCT.
He acknowledged that it was a difficult decision to take but was convinced that it was the right decision.
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