Statement By Abba Kyari On His Covid-19 Status [LEADERSHIP]
I am writing to let you know that on medical advice, I will transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation. This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.
I have made my own care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures. Like many others that will test also positive, I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home. I hope to be back at my desk very soon. I have a team of young, professional, knowledgeable and patriotic colleagues, whose dedication has been beyond the call of duty, who continue to work seven days a week, with no time of the day spared. We will continue to serve the President and people of Nigeria, as we have for the past five years.
I want to thank all our fantastic, talented and brave healthcare professionals, working across the country in such a difficult time; all the good Samaritans looking out for the most vulnerable in our communities; the key workers that will keep our country going through this; friends and family and often strangers, who have sent me such warm wishes and displayed such a generosity of spirit.
We should be calm, measured and diligent – be meticulous in your hygiene, especially with cleaning hands, if possible stay at home or keep your distance. Listen to good advice from the proper authorities: pay no heed to quack cures or fake news from social media. President Buhari will do whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of our people and get the country back on its feet as soon as possible.
Like the whole world, we are dealing with a new disease. Our experts are learning more all the time about coronavirus, what it does and how we can combat it. What we do know is that while some may become very sick, many others who contract the virus will not, and may have no symptoms at all. This is a disease that recognises no difference between north and south, men or women, rich or poor. We are all in this together.
Abba Kyari
Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari
PMB Locks Down Abuja, Lagos, Ogun [LEADERSHIP]
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday ordered complete shutdown of Lagos and Ogun States as well as Abuja, the nation’s capital, for a period of two weeks to stem the continuous spread of Coronavirus across the country.
According to him, from today, March 30, 2020, all citizens in the restricted areas are to stay in their respective homes, just as travelling to and from other states is hereby postponed.
In a live broadcast to Nigerians on the Covid-19 pandemic aired on national television and radio stations at 7:00pm yesterday, the president said although the measures put in place would bring untold hardship on Nigerians, they have become inevitable sacrifices the citizens must make to address the global pandemic which he said had become a matter of life and death.
“We are fully aware that such measures will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and death, if we look at the dreadful daily toll of deaths in Italy, France and Spain. However, we must all see this as our national and patriotic duty to control and contain the spread of this virus. I will therefore ask all of us affected by this order to put aside our personal comfort to safeguard ourselves and fellow human beings. This common enemy can only be controlled if we all come together and obey scientific and medical advice”, Buhari appealed.
He pointed out that the government will use the containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases.
He added that the government will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other states.
Buhari, however, said commercial establishments such as food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities, power generation, transmission and distribution companies as well as private security companies are exempted.
For telecommunications, broadcast, print and electronic media staff, the president said those who could prove they will be unable to work from home would also be exempted.
The president also approved two months cash transfer for vulnerable Nigerians to cushion the effect of the total lockdown.
“For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks”, he stated.
Declaring a total shutdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun, Buhari said, “Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.
“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.
“The governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.
“We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.
“This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.
“Furthermore, commercial establishments such as; food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities,power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are also exempted.
“Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored. Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted”.
The president however noted that all seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines he had earlier issued.
“Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority”.
Furthermore, the president noted that all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into Abuja, Lagos and Ogun from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter the restricted areas.
Accordingly, Buhari directed the minister of Health to redeploy all port health authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to the three restricted zones.
He also ordered that movements of all passenger aircrafts, both commercial and private jets be suspended, adding however that special permits will be issued on whenever the need arose.
Buhari further approved the deployment of relief materials to citizens living in suburbs and satellite towns to cushion the effect of the lockdown order on Nigerians.
He said, “As we remain ready to enforce these measures, we should see this as our individual contribution in the war against COVID-19. Many other countries have taken far stricter measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus with positive results.
“For residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods will surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures, we shall deploy relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks”.
The president further said even though schools were already shut down, he has instructed the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with state governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain the school feeding programme during the period without compromising government’s social distancing policies.
He added that the minister will be contacting the affected states and agree on detailed next steps.
Buhari also directed that a three months repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.
He stated: “I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.
“For on-lending using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers”.
The president further called on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities by helping them with whatever they may need.
He continued: “As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities. This is why I directed that all Federal Government Stadia, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.
“My fellow Nigerians, as a Government, we will avail all necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed to do whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country. We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development partners.
“At this point, I will ask that all contributions and donations be coordinated and centralized to ensure efficient and impactful spending. The Presidential Task Force remains the central coordinating body on the COVID-19 response”.
The president assured Nigerians that government ministries, departments and agencies with a role to play in the outbreak response were working hard to bring this virus under control.
He implored Nigerians again to strictly comply with the guidelines issued and also do your bit to support Government and the most vulnerable in your communities.
“Every nation in the world is challenged at this time. But we have seen countries where citizens have come together to reduce the spread of the virus”, he said.
Confirmed Cases In Nigeria Now 111
Meanwhile, Nigeria has confirmed 14 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 111.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), nine of the new cases were reported in Lagos and five in FCT.
Osinbajo Worships Online
Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, alongside his aides, yesterday joined the worship at Aso Villa Chapel online in compliance with social distancing rules as Nigeria continues to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The VP’s media aide, Laolu Akande, who disclosed this, said it was in line with government’s directive against large congregational gatherings,
Hde note that the vice president and his aides have been working under the precautionary directive of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“Today, we just finished Sunday worship at the Aso Villa Chapel via live streaming service (online)”, he stated.
PDP Faults Buhari’s Address To Nigerians
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari’s long awaited address on the COVID-19 pandemic came empty and failed to address the salient demands of the impact of the scourge on our nation.
The party, in a statement by its national publicity secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that outside the social distancing and isolation, which Nigerians had already imposed on themselves, Mr President had no new solutions to offer the nation.
The PDP regretted that the address did not touch on the real necessities of majority of Nigerians who reside in the states where President Buhari had ordered a lockdown.
The party stated: „It is unfortunate that Mr. President failed to respond to demands on hope for medications, direct social palliatives, cut in taxes as well as reduction in the pump price of fuel even with the cut in the price of petroleum and crude oil in the international market.
„Our party notes as saddening that even in areas where Mr. President announced an ambitious intervention, such remained largely cosmetic as there are no clear palliative content but moratoriums on loans with no clear data for implementation.
“Mr. President is reminded that already, the COVID-19 had affected the performance of those loans. Granting them moratoriums is therefore of no consequence to the capital and interest on them.
„It is rather unfortunate that Nigerians had to wait this long for an address that came out empty and failed to respond to anxieties.
“Moreover, Nigerians expected Mr. President to articulate an across-the-board and far-reaching strategy that would have captured the need of each state of the federation as they were today, instead of a parochial approach to a national anxiety.
“President Buhari should therefore go back, listen to the nation, retool his policy framework and implementation strategy to properly address the fears as well as the needs of Nigerians, including health safety measures and the real remedies that meet the anxieties of our nation at this critical time“.
Sanusi, Dangote Test Negative
Meanwhile, former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, and his wives have tested negative to coronavirus.
Adam Sanusi, the son of the ex- monarch, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, urged Nigerians to comply with the government’s directives in the fight against the virus.
He said that being infected with coronavirus was not a death sentence, adding that “we have been inundated with calls asking about the health and safety of my father (Sanusi) especially given the number of visitors he received on arrival in Lagos, and a number of contacts he had who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or were in contact with persons who tested positive.
Also, Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, announced yesterday that he tested negative to coronavirus.
Dongote announced this on his twitter account, saying “As a global citizen and business leader, I took the COVID-19 test and the result came back NEGATIVE.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted modern society, affecting our collective health and well-being. CACOVID (Coalition Against COVID-19) is an initiative that I am leading with other private sector leaders and our common goal is to support ongoing Government initiatives with our resources in the fight against Covid-19. We are in this together and I am optimistic we will overcome”, he added.
Dangote Plans 600-bed Isolation Centre in Kano
Relatedly, Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has promised to establish an isolation center at the Sani Abacha Stadium with 600 bedding capacity to provide a befitting accommodation for all those affected by the dreaded coronavirus.
Dangote said he was determined to establish the 600-bed isolation facility at the stadium to accommodate would-be victims of coronavirus in the state in the event of any unprecedented occurrence .
Dangote who made the pronouncement through Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during the inauguration of a fund raising committee set to provide succour to victims of coronavrus in the state said the isolation centre would be established to complement the two centres meant for quarantining victims of COVID 19 in case of any eventuality.
Ganduje expressed confidence that so far no single case of Corona virus was recorded in the state, except nine suspected victims whose result were declared negative by medical experts in the state .
The governor inaugurated the 38-member fund raising committee to garner resources and to assist those affected in terms of feeding and other essentials.
He said, „It is indicative that so many people get what they feed themselves on daily basis. As they go out, they get what to eat for that day. Government finds it extremely necessary to help people in that direction, at least to cushion the effect of the situation at hand.
“As government is taking all the necessary measures there are people that are most vulnerable, who need all the necessary support. That is why we are doing our best to avoid what could be seen and termed as Stomach Virus instead, hence the need for this quick intervention.
„That is why we chose people who are honest, genuine and people with dexterity in resource management; people who can take all the pains to locate those needy ones in our nooks and crannies.
“This committee will find out donations from organisations, on corporate social responsibility basis, from individuals in order to galvanize the strength and see how to take care of those people who need such support“.
Ganduje asked all retired health workers in the state register with the state ministry of Health on voluntary basis as part of preparations against the COVID-19 pandemic.
„I am also calling on people to Fast tomorrow, Monday 30th March, which is equivalent to 5th Sha‘aban, 1441 AH, to pray for Allah‘s mercy and forgiveness against the deadly pandemic. As we are all praying against this for the state, the country and the entire humanity, in our Mosques in five daily prayers and in our Friday Mosques, it is very important to always pray for Allah‘s protection,“ he noted.
Israel Evacuates 274 Nationals From Nigeria
Apparently wary of the exploding cases of COVID-19 in the country, the Israeli government has evacuated 247 of its nationals form Nigeria.
The Israelis were evacuated via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Tel-Aviv, Israel.
The flight, operated with the Air Peace’s Boeing 777-300, left Lagos with 65 passengers and airlifted 209 others from Abuja before departing the country.
Although international flights are suspended as part of measures to forestall further importation of coronavirus, emergency flights such as this are allowed to operate at the MMIA and NAIA.
German Finance Minister Commits Suicide
Meanwhile, Thomas Schaefer, the finance minister of Germany’s Hesse state, has committed suicide after becoming “deeply worried” over how to cope with the economic fallout from the coronavirus, state premier Volker Bouffier, said yesterday.
Schaefer, 54, was found dead near a railway track on Saturday. The Wiesbaden prosecution’s office said they believe he died by suicide.
“We are in shock, we are in disbelief and above all we are immensely sad,” Bouffier said in a recorded statement.
Hesse is home to Germany’s financial capital Frankfurt, where major lenders like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have their headquarters. The European Central Bank is also located in Frankfurt.
A visibly shaken Bouffier recalled that Schaefer, who was Hesse’s finance chief for 10 years, had been working “day and night” to help companies and workers deal with the economic impact of the pandemic.
“Today we have to assume that he was deeply worried,” said Bouffier, a close ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“It’s precisely during this difficult time that we would have needed someone like him,” he added.
We Have Enough Fuel For 60 Days, Says NNPC [LEADERSHIP]
Nigerians have been advised to refrain from panic buying of petroleum products because the national stock, especially of premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol is enough to last the country for over 60 days.
The assurance of sustainable fuel supply came yesterday from the group managing director of the Nigerian National petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari.
He told newsmen in Abuja that the country has PMS to serve her for over 60-days and charged the people not to engage in any panic buying because the stock of the products is adequate.
Kyari spoke on the heels of both the federal and state governments deploying various strategies including stay-at-home order to Nigerians to help contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
On how the corporation hopes to ensure the supply of petrol in a critical period the country has found itself, Kyari said that the NNPC had the support of all stakeholders to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products in the country.
He said: “There is absolutely no scarcity anywhere; our supply is robust, we have fuel that will last this country even for 60-days if assuming we do not import any.
“Of course, people because of the pandemic, stay at home, may try to conserve fuel; there is no need to do this. Maintain your normal life, we have secured all assurances that trucks will be moving freely across the country throughout this period of difficulty and supply will be sustained,’’ he said.
He appealed to Nigerians no to flood fuel stations as there was no need for that.
Commenting on the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) order to petrol tankers drivers to vacate the depots, Kyari said that NNPC would continue to engage them.
“No restrictions; as we speak now loading is going on, trucks are moving around, no action like that will come to fruition,’’ he added.
And as part of its concerted efforts to combat COVID-19 in the country, NNPC has handed over medical equipment to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospitals in Gwagwalada, the Federal Capital Territory.
A press release by the corporation’s group general manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr Kennie Obateru, at the weekend, listed the equipment presented to the hospital by Kyari, as an oxygen generating plant, a brand new ambulance, six NNPC operational ambulance vehicles, one big ventilator, one small ventilator, patient monitor, hospital beds, bedside cupboards, overtop tables, air conditioners, fully automated five-part hematology analyser and semi-automated chemistry analyser.
Others were alert blood culture analyser, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) device, pro-express Samsung printer, binocular microscope, table top centrifuge and pipettes.
Kyari said that “government cannot do this alone. Health systems, the world over, are getting overwhelmed. Countries with stronger health systems are struggling to contain the pandemic. In the light of this, the oil and gas industry is collaborating to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the pandemic.
These efforts, coordinated by the minister of state for petroleum resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, will support government agencies in providing needed resources both human and materials required to curb this pandemic,” Kyari averred.
He added that the federal government, through the Ministry of Health, had mapped out strategies to respond adequately to the outbreak of the disease in Nigeria, saying a multi-sectoral team, led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), was at the forefront of effort.
Kyari commended the minister of health and the entire ministry, the NCDC, the Public Health Department (PHD) of FCT, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and the entire medical community in the country for their efforts in combating the virus, stressing that the NNPC remained grateful for their dedication in safeguarding the lives of Nigerians.
“It is obvious that to fight this menace, we all have to collaborate to ensure that Nigeria defeat this virus,” Kyari appealed.
On his part, the medical director of NNPC Medical Services Limited, Dr Mohammed Zango, said that the corporation as a responsible entity was making the donation to meet the urgent medical needs of the isolation centre in Abuja and to make it more effective in delivering on its mandate.
Earlier, the chief medical director of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Prof. Bissallah Ekele, commended the NNPC for rising up to the occasion by supplying the essential medical equipment to the organisation, noting that the gesture would help the hospital to save lives.
He observed that the teaching hospital had never been given such a huge and generous support in the 26 years of its establishment and promised that the equipment would be judiciously used.
Responding on behalf of the director-general of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, who was unavoidably absent at the occasion, the cemtre’s director of Administration, Alhaji Yahaya Abdullahi, described the medical equipment donated by the NNPC as the largest intervention so far received.
Buhari Locks Down Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, Cases Reach 111 [PUNCH]
· FG’s 14-day stay-at-home order begins 11pm today
· UCH CMD, Provost, NIS boss test positive to coronavirus
· I will be in Lagos this week, be back soon, says Abba Kyari
The President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Sunday ordered lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states to check the spread of COVID-19.
Buhari, in a nationwide broadcast, said the lockdown, which would begin at 11pm on Monday, would be for an initial period of 14 days.
He said during the lockdown residents of the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states should stay at home.
The President said this just as COVID-19 cases in the country increased to 111 on Sunday and more prominent Nigerians tested positive for the disease.
Among those who tested positive were the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo; the Provost of the College of Medicine, Ibadan, Ezekiel Olapade-Olaopa and the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede.
Also tested positive was the Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine, Ibadan, Obafunke Denloye.
Since Nigeria recorded its first coronavirus case on February 27, the number of people infected by the disease has been on the increase.
Prominent Nigerians that have been diagnosed with COVID-19 include the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and his Kaduna State counterpart, Nasir El-Rufai.
As of Sunday night, no fewer than 111 people have been infected with the virus with 68 in Lagos State; the FCT, 21; Oyo State; seven, and Ogun State; three. Enugu, Edo, Bauchi, and Osun states have two cases each, while Ekiti, Rivers, Benue and Kaduna states have one case each.
NCDC confirms 14 new cases, Nigeria now has 111
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control at 9:30pm Sunday confirmed 14 new infections, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 111.
The NCDC via its Twitter handle said, “Fourteen new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria; nine in Lagos and five in FCT. As at 09:30 pm 29th March there are 111 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria with 1 death.”
Buhari, a month after the country recorded the first COVID-19 case, spoke on the pandemic on Sunday.
The President said the majority of the cases in the country were concentrated in Lagos and the FCT or came from persons who passed through the two cities.
In the case of Ogun, he said its proximity to Lagos, necessitated that it should also be locked down to control movements.
He explained that the decision was taken based on the advice of the Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, to enable the government to effectively contain further spread of the infection.
The President stated, “Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two states.
President orders closure of businesses, offices in Ogun, Lagos, FCT
“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.
“The governors of Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.
“We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other states.”
During the period, he said all flights remained suspended, while any form of inter-state vehicular or seaport movements for the purpose of conveying foodstuffs and medical supplies would be done in strict compliance to safety regulations.
Workers of hospitals, electronic, print media, petroleum distribution, telecoms exempted
However, Buhari mentioned services that would not be affected by the lockdown, saying that among them were “hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organisations in healthcare-related manufacturing and distribution.”
He added that food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities; power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies were also exempted.
The President gave further implications of the new development, “Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.
“All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.
“Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.
“Accordingly, the minister of health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to these restricted zones.
“Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a need basis.”
The President, who admitted that the measures would cause pain to the citizenry, noted that they were necessary to stop Nigeria from going the way of Italy, Spain and France that recorded heavy COVID -19 casualties.
He promised to announce relief measures for the satellite town residents of Lagos and Abuja, who would be most affected by the measures, in the weeks ahead.
In the meantime, Buhari disclosed that a strategy was being worked out in conjunction with the state governments to sustain the school feeding programme, in spite of the fact that schools were already closed.
He spoke on other palliatives, saying, “Furthermore, I have directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.
“I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.
“For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multi-lateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.
“For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.”
While the measures took full effect, the President urged Nigerians to sustain all safety regulations already put in place by the NDDC, especially social distancing, banning of large gatherings, use of sanitisers and wearing of face masks.
Buhari had come under pressure from Nigerians to address the nation, like other world leaders did in their countries, as the COVID -19 casualty figures steadily climbed to 111.
UCH CMD, college of medicine provost, deputy test positive
In Oyo State, the UCH CMD, Otagbayo, disclosed his status in a statement he personally signed. He stated, “On Monday, March 23, we commenced a 12-man quarterly board meeting, which was meant to last five days in the hospital. We observed social distancing and other precautionary measures for COVID-19 as much as possible.
“However, on Wednesday morning, one of us presented with what appeared to be symptoms of COVID-19; his samples were immediately taken for test and the meeting called off.
“His result returned positive on Friday morning and every participant, including me, immediately went into self isolation while our samples were also taken for test.
“Unfortunately, my result returned positive on Saturday afternoon and I remain in isolation as I am not symptomatic. All staff members who have been in contact with me and other participants during this period have been advised to immediately proceed on self-isolation pending the time they get tested.
“COVID-19 is spreading faster than we think and I enjoin everyone to take precautions. If one person has it, then a gathering of two becomes dangerous. Stay at home, avoid unnecessary outing and stay safe.”
The Provost of the College of Medicine Ibadan, Olapade-Olaopa, in a Whatsapp group message on Sunday morning, said, “Dear colleagues, I wish to inform you that the deputy provost and I tested positive for the COVID-19 following the tests done on Friday.”
NIS CG tests positive
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Sunday James, the NIS said the comptroller-general, Babandede, tested positive for coronavirus.
James stated the CG said he went into self-isolation after his return from the United Kingdom.
He explained that Babandede adhered to the regulations of the NCDC for self isolation and testing.
The statement was titled, “The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede health status with regard to Corona virrus and his self isolation since he returned from the UK.”
It said, “As a top official of government he has adhered to the NCDC instructions to self isolate and undergo test. The result of the test came out positive, hence the need to make it public. He conveys his goodwill to all and he is in stable condition responding to treatment.”
Fayemi shuts down Ekiti for two weeks, orders dust to dawn curfew
In Ekiti State, Governor Kayode Fayemi on Sunday announced a 14-day total shutdown and imposed a 12-hour dusk to dawn curfew on the state.
Fayemi said, “Effective from 11:59pm on Monday, March 30, 2020 until 11:59pm on Monday, April 13, 2020, there shall be restriction of movement across the length and breadth of Ekiti State, with all our borders closed.
“That is a full and total shutdown of Ekiti State and a 12-hour dusk to dawn curfew in Ekiti State from 7:00pm – 7:00 am. All Ekiti residents are hereby directed to stay-at-home.”
Dangote tests negative, to build 600- bed isolation centre in Kano
The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, announced on Sunday that he tested negative for coronavirus.
Dangote, who disclosed this on twitter, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly disrupted modern society, affecting “our collective health and well-being.”
He said, “As a global citizen and business leader, I took the COVID-19 test and the result came back negative.”
The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, disclosed this at the inauguration of a 38- member fund raising committee on COVID-19 in the state.
Ganduje said Dangote had asked the state government to provide a facility for him to provide 600 beds and other infrastructure, as his contribution towards the efforts to contain the outbreak of coronavirus in the state.
Avoid physical interviews, NUJ tells journalists
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, has warned members to suspend direct or physical interviews to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
This warning was given in a statement jointly signed by the state Chairman of the NUJ, Mr Ademola Babalola, and the Secretary, Mr Sola Oladapo, on Sunday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The statement read that journalists should be cautious in performing their roles in view of the alarming rate of spread of the virus.
In another statement, the NUJ urged the Federal Government to ensure due diligence at the University College Hospital, Ibadan in view of the fact that the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Abiodun Otegbayo; the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; his deputy; as well as the board chairman, recently tested positive to COVID 19.
It stated that the CMD, despite his knowledge of his exposure to a suspected case, still went ahead granting interviews to journalists without warning them of his vulnerability.
Oyo COVID-19 task force impounds 22 vehicles at club houses
The Oyo State COVID-19 Security and Enforcement sub-committee impounded 22 vehicles during its special night operations.
The operation was aimed at enforcing compliance at club houses and public places in Ibadan, the state capital.
The Executive Chairman, OYRTMA, Dr Akin Fagbemi, while addressing members of the task force before the operation, urged them to be professional in their approach.
Atiku, lauds El-Rufai, Mohammed, Babandede
Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday said contracting coronavirus disease was not a death sentence.
Atiku, in his verified personal twitter handle@atiku, also commended the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mr. Muhammad Babandede, for publicly declaring that
Kyari confirms positive status, goes to Lagos for further tests
After days of speculation, the Chief of Staff to the President, Kyari, on Sunday admitted that he tested positive for coronavirus, according to the twitter handle of the Presidency, @NGRPresident.
In a letter he wrote the public, Kyari said he tested positive last week, but that he was proceeding to Lagos on Sunday (yesterday) for further tests, based on medical advice.
He claimed to feel well as he had yet to experience any of the symptoms associated with coronavirus virus.
Kyari added that he would soon resume work.
Neither of the presidential spokespersons, Mr Femi Adesina and Mr Garba Shehu, have confirmed the letter.
However, it is on the official twitter handle of the Presidency, earlier referred above.
The letter reads in full, “ I am writing to let you know that on medical advice, I will transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation. This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.
“I have made my own care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures. Like many others that will test also positive, I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home. I hope to be back at my desk very soon.
“I have a team of young, professional, knowledgeable and patriotic colleagues, whose dedication has been beyond the call of duty, who continue to work seven days a week, with no time of the day spared. We will continue to serve the President and people of Nigeria, as we have for the past five years.
“I want to thank all our fantastic, talented and brave healthcare professionals, working across the country in such a difficult time; all the good Samaritans looking out for the most vulnerable in our communities; the key workers that will keep our country going through this; friends and family and often strangers, who have sent me such warm wishes and displayed such a generosity of spirit.
“We should be calm, measured and diligent – be meticulous in your hygiene, especially with cleaning hands, if possible stay at home or keep your distance. Listen to good advice from the proper authorities: pay no heed to quack cures or fake news from social media. President Buhari will do whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of our people and get the country back on its feet as soon as possible.
“Like the whole world, we are dealing with a new disease. Our experts are learning more all the time about coronavirus, what it does and how we can combat it. What we do know is that while some may become very sick, many others who contract the virus will not, and may have no symptoms at all. This is a disease that recognises no difference between north and south, men or women, rich or poor. We are all in this together.”
Kyari had tested positive to the virus on Monday last week and went on self-isolation, as he avoided coming to office.
But, he did not make his status official, leaving his condition to conjectures.
His case also forced the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to take his own test, which proved negative.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo also took the test and got a negative result.
Ogun restricts movements
In line with presidential directive, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said “Movement is restricted within and across our borders with neighbouring states and the international border with the Republic of Benin, effective from 11pm on Monday.”
Elders Tackle Obasanjo Over Ex-Residence’s Donation As Isolation Centre [PUNCH]
Senior citizens resident on the Presidential Hilltop Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have kicked against the decision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to donate his former residence on the estate for use as an isolation centre for suspected COVID-19 patients.
Obasanjo had, on Friday, in a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, announced the donation of his 32-room house on the estate to the Ogun State Government for use as an isolation centre, saying it was his contribution to the fight against the deadly viral disease.
But senior residents on the estate said they were not comfortable having a COVID-19 isolation centre in their neigbourhood.
They believed the isolation centre would expose them to the risk of contracting the highly communicable disease, particularly given the vulnerability of old people to the disease.
Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone on Sunday, one of the senior citizens said they had already penned a Save-Our-Soul letter on the situation and would deliver it to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State this week.
The senior citizen disclosed that the SoS letter was written by the Presidential Hilltop Residents Association and signed by five elders – ex-Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Dr Peter Akinola; industrialist, Chief Olatunde Abudu; Chief Babatunde Oke, Chief Yinka Kufile and Alhaji Muftau Adegbenro.”
He added, “We read it in the news with rude shock and disbelief that the former President has donated his former residence located at the Presidential Hilltop Estate in Abeokuta to be used as isolation centre for victims of the dreaded coronavirus disease.
“While we thank the former President for his patriotic and philanthropic gesture, the purpose of this gift at this point in time is utterly reprehensible and therefore unacceptable.
“As elders we have discussed and we have made our position known in the letter which shall be delivered to the office of His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as soon as possible.
“There is no doubt that siting such an isolation centre in a residential estate is highly inimical and indeed a threat to the health of residents, many of whom are old people, who are more vulnerable to the attack of the dreaded pandemic.
“Should the government accept this gift for the intended purpose, would it not be a willful invitation to the untimely death of the aged in this community? For instance, Baba Olatunde Abudu is well over 91 years old and most of us are in our late and early 70s.”
The elder explained that aged old residents of the Presidential Hilltop Estate had confidence that the governor would come to their aid.
He said, “We sincerely appreciate the various steps being taken by the governor to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and we also pray for the quick recovery of the victims across the nations as well as permanent stop to this deadly virus.
“We have no doubt that Governor Dapo Abiodun will save our soul from this donation from the former President.”
Give Me N1bn To Fight COVID-19, Obiano Asks Buhari [PUNCH]
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has applied to the Federal Government for the sum of N1bn to secure his state against COVID-19 spread.
Obiano said Anambra had opened a special account for donations towards preventing coronavirus from spreading into the state, which currently has zero record of COVID-19.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C-Don Adinuba, the governor said the steps were in line with the state’s resolve to ensure it remained free of the disease.
He urged the Federal Government to avail the state N1bn to help it to sustain the zero record because of the strategic nature of Anambra State people in commerce and industry.
The statement read in part, “Governor Obiano, therefore, considers it imperative that the Federal Government provides at least N1bn to Anambra, which is at risk in view of the multitude of people in its numerous markets and the peripatetic nature of the people who have been helping in the rapid development of all parts of Nigeria.
“Besides, we have as many as 63 major markets in the state, including the Onitsha main market, which is the largest market in West Africa.
“The markets are always full of millions of people from different countries in West and Central Africa, thereby making our people vulnerable to the contagion.
“The Anambra State Government would like to use this opportunity to announce the creation of a special account to assist ndi Anambra grapple with the grave challenges of the coronavirus.
“Known as the Anambra State COVID- 19 account, it is in response to various inquiries from people of Anambra State origin in different parts of Nigeria and beyond who have been seeking ways to assist their people since the viral disease outbreak.”
Adinuba said the account, which was domiciled in a new generation bank, would be administered by Obiano as the Chairman of Anambra COVID-19 Task Force, to ensure absolute transparency and accountability.”
COVID-19: Cases Hit 686,199 With 32,277 Deaths [THE NATION]
The dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19) has now infected more than 686,199 people with 32,277 deaths, according the figures gathered by The Nation last night.
Out of the figure, 146,402 people have recovered from the virus, which has hit 199 countries and territories around the world.
Two international conveyances – the Diamond Princess Cruise ship harboured in Yokohama, Japan, and the Holland America’s MS Zaandam cruise ship – were also affected, according to the figures.
The virus has now affected all the continents of the world across almost 195 countries and territories recognised by the United Nations (UN) as well as 39 dependencies and other territories.
The United States (U.S) with 125,266 cases and 2,246 deaths was ahead of the top 10 countries as at last night. It was being trailed by Italy with 92,472 cases and 10,023 deaths.
China, where the infection started, has recorded 81,439 cases with 3,300 fatalities.
Others on the top 10 chart are: Spain with 78,799 cases and 6,606 deaths; Germany (58,247 cases and 455 deaths); Iran (38,309 patients and 2,640 fatalities); France (37,575 cases and 2,314 deaths); United Kingdom (UK) 19,522 cases and 1,228 deaths; Switzerland (14,829 cases and 300 fatalities and Netherlands (10,866 cases and 771 deaths.
Belgium, which was occupying the 11th position with 10,836 patients and 431 deaths, has overtaken South Korea with 9,583 cases and 152 fatalities.
With the U.S. statistics, a top public health official, Anthony Fauci, said the country would likely end up with millions of cases.
Fauci, who made the statement while speaking on the Cable Network News (CNN), cautioned that the death toll in the U.S. could rise above 100,000, but he was however, hesitant to make projections.
Fauci, the Head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, also said the country’s testing capacity remained somewhat weak.
Coronavirus has now spread to dozens of the 47 countries of the WHO Africa region, with 2,650 infected and 49 dead, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said at the weekend.
The WHO stands ready to support all countries in the fight against the virus, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said on Twitter.
Countries with weaker health systems must act aggressively to contain spread among early cases and prevent community transmission, he said.
Immigration Comptroller, UCH CMD, Others Test Positive For COVID-19 [THE NATION]
• Dangote, Niger governor, FCT minister, others test negative
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service Muhammad Babandede, on Sunday tested positive for coronavirus.
Immigration spokesman Sunday James said Babandede went into self-isolation when he returned from the UK.
James said: “He has adhered to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) instructions to self-isolate and undergo a test.
“The result of the test came out positive, hence, the need to make it public. He conveys his goodwill to all and he is in stable condition and responding to treatment.”
Also on Sunday, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, tested positive for coronavirus.
He said in a statement: “On Monday 23rd March, we commenced a 12-man quarterly board meeting, which was meant to last five days in the hospital.
“We observed social distancing and other precautionary measures for COVID-19 as much as possible.
“However, on Wednesday morning, one of us presented with what appeared to be symptoms of COVID-19. His samples were immediately taken for test and the meeting called off.
“His results returned positive on Friday morning and every participant (including me) immediately went into self-isolation while our samples were also taken for the test.
“Unfortunately, my result returned positive on Saturday afternoon and I remain in isolation as I am not symptomatic.”
The Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, also tested positive for coronavirus.
He said in a statement that his deputy, Prof. Obafunke Denloye, also tested positive for the virus.
“Although we are both asymptomatic, we have gone into self-isolation for 14 days whilst our contacts are being observed closely to determine if they should also be tested,” he said.
Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, tested negative for coronavirus.
He tweeted: “As a global citizen and business leader, I took the COVID-19 test and the result came back negative.”
Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello tested negative for coronavirus.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mrs Mary Noel Berje, said the governor will remain in self-isolation despite testing negative “to play safe.”
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, tested negative for the virus.
He tweeted: “Dear compatriots, I am glad to inform you that my results came out this afternoon and tested negative to #COVID-19.”
Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mr Asishana Okauru, and his wife, Ifueko, also tested negative for the virus.
Okauru stated this in a statement issued in Abuja, following the tests conducted at the NCDC.
Borno State said all the five suspected COVID-19 cases tested negative.
The Commissioner for Health Dr Salisu Kwayabura, said the five presented themselves for testing due to their history of travelling to countries with highest coronavirus cases.
No fewer than 21 pending samples of suspected coronavirus cases in Bauchi State tested negative.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Aliyu Maigoro Mohammed told reporters that 93 contact samples tested.
He earlier announced that 47 of the 70 persons whose blood samples were taken for tests for suspected coronavirus infection tested negative.
He said 21 more results sent to the NCDC were being expected.
N100b Healthcare Stimulus: CBN Sets N2b Limit For Borrowers [THE NATION]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set N2 billion as the maximum borrowing limit for any healthcare provider seeking to access the N100 billion lifeline it approved for the health sector.
It announced the limit in an operational guideline released for the fund at the weekend.
The fund was established to cushion the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the economy and to support healthcare providers.
It was also meant to ensure that the sector meets the expected rise in the demand for healthcare products and services.
The guideline, signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy Regulation Department, Kevin Amugo, said working capital loans shall be considered based on 20 per cent of the average of three years of the proposed borrower’s turnover, subject to a maximum of N500 million per obligor.
Also, where the loan is a term loan, a maximum limit of N2 billion per obligor and five per cent interest rate up till February 2021 shall apply.
Interest rate for the facility shall revert to nine per cent as from March 1, 2021.
The apex bank also set the exit date for all the facility under the scheme at December 31, 2030 and stipulated a joint monitoring of financed activities by the CBN and participating financial institutions.
“Term loan shall have a maximum tenor of not more than 10 years with a maximum of one year moratorium on repayment. In terms of construction, the tenor shall be determined by the completion date,” the guideline stated.
According to the guideline, the eligible participants under the scheme shall include healthcare product manufacturers- pharmaceutical drug and medical equipment; healthcare service providers/medical facilities- hospitals/clinics, diagnostic centers/ laboratories, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, dialysis centers, blood banks, among others.
Also to benefit are pharmaceutical/medical products and logistic services, and other human healthcare service providers as maybe determined by the CBN from time to time.
The CBN guideline said: “The modalities require that a corporate entity submits its application to a participating financial institution of its choice with a bankable business plan.
“The participating financial institution shall appraise and conduct due diligence on the application. Upon approval by the participating financial institution’s Credit Committee, the application shall be submitted to the CBN with relevant documents attached. The CBN will process and disburse funds to the participating financial institution for onward release to the project.”
It stipulated that indigenous pharmaceutical companies and healthcare practitioners that want to expand or build their capacities would benefit from the facility.
According to the guidelines, the scheme will be funded from the real sector support facility, with Deposit Money Banks, Development Finance Institutions named as participating financial institutions.
According to it (guideline), the fund will reduce health tourism to conserve foreign exchange, provide long-term, low cost finance for healthcare infrastructure development, and improve access to affordable credit by indigenous pharmaceutical companies.
It was also meant to support the provision of shared services through one-stop healthcare solution to enhance competition and reduce the cost of healthcare delivery in the country.
The CBN announced the N100 billion package for the healthcare industry to strengthen the sector’s capacity to meet potential increase in the demand for healthcare and services.
The CBN said the scheme was also expected to increase private and public investment in the healthcare sector, facilitates improvement in healthcare delivery and reduce medical tourism to enhance foreign exchange conservation.
The bank further explained that the objective of the scheme was to provide long-term low cost finance for healthcare development that would lead to the evolvement of world-class healthcare facilities in the country.
According to the bank, the scheme will improve access to affordable credit by indigenous pharmaceutical companies to expand their operations and comply with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) good manufacturing practices.
The CBN noted that the eligible participants under the scheme were healthcare products manufacturers and pharmaceutical equipment.
It added that others are healthcare service providers, medical facilities, pharmaceutical and medical products distribution and logistics services, among others.
Address By President Muhammadu Buhari On The COVID-19 Pandemic [SUN]
Fellow Nigerians,
From the first signs that Coronavirus, or COVID-19, was turning into an epidemic and was officially declared a worldwide emergency, the Federal Government started planning preventive, containment and curative measures in the event the disease hits Nigeria.
The whole instruments of government are now mobilized to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis.
Nigeria, unfortunately, confirmed its first case on 27th February, 2020. Since then, we have seen the number of confirmed cases rise slowly.
By the morning of March 29th, 2020, the total confirmed cases within Nigeria had risen to 97.
Regrettably, we also had our first fatality, a former employee of PPMC, who died on 23rd March, 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time. We also pray for quick recovery for those infected and undergoing treatment.
As of today, COVID-19 has no cure. Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine.
We are in touch with these institutions as they work towards a solution that will be certified by international and local medical authorities within the shortest possible time.
For now, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.
As individuals, we remain the greatest weapon to fight this pandemic. By washing our hands regularly with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow and strictly adhering to infection prevention control measures in health facilities, we can contain this virus.
Since the outbreak was reported in China, our Government has been monitoring the situation closely and studying the various responses adopted by other countries.
Indeed, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was one of 10 global health leaders invited by the World Health Organisation to visit China and understudy their response approach. I am personally very proud of Dr. Ihekweazu for doing this on behalf of all Nigerians.
Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programs in Nigeria to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimized. We ask all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force.
Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities.
In Nigeria, we are taking a two-step approach.
First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and, second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners to ensure their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.
To date, we have introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in our response. We shall continue to do so as the situation unfolds.
Some of these measures will surely cause major inconveniences to many citizens. But these are sacrifices we should all be willing and ready to make for the greater good of our country.
In Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an underreaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts.
Accordingly, as a Government, we will continue to rely on guidance of our medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.
I, therefore, urge all citizens to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.
As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus, therefore, remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.
This is why we provided an initial intervention of fifteen billion Naira (N15 billion) to support the national response as we fight to contain and control the spread.
We also created a Presidential Task Force (PTF) to develop a workable National Response Strategy that is being reviewed on a daily basis as the requirements change. This strategy takes international best practices but adopts them to suit our unique local circumstances.
Our goal is to ensure all states have the right support and manpower to respond immediately.
So far, in Lagos and Abuja, we have recruited hundreds of ad hoc staff to man our call centres and support our tracing and testing efforts.
I also requested, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, for all State Governments to nominate doctors and nurses who will be trained by the NCDC and Lagos State Government on tactical and operational response to the virus in case it spreads to other states.
This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.
As a nation, our response must be guided, systematic and professional. There is a need for consistency across the nation. All inconsistencies in policy guidelines between Federal and State agencies will be eliminated.
As I mentioned earlier, as at this morning, we had 97 confirmed cases. Majority of these are in Lagos and Abuja. All the confirmed cases are getting the necessary medical care.
Our agencies are currently working hard to identify cases and people these patients have been in contact with.
The few confirmed cases outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres.
We are, therefore, working to ensure such inter-state and inter-city movements are restricted to prevent further spread.
Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days, with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March, 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two states.
All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.
The Governors of Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.
We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other states.
This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in healthcare-related manufacturing and distribution.
Furthermore, commercial establishments such as:
- food processing, distribution and retail companies;
- petroleum distribution and retail entities,
- power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and
- private security companies are also exempted.
Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.
Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.
All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.
Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.
Accordingly, the Honorable Minister of Health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja Airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to these restricted zones.
Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.
We are fully aware that such measures will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and death, if we look at the dreadful daily toll of deaths in Italy, France and Spain.
However, we must all see this as our national and patriotic duty to control and contain the spread of this virus. I will, therefore, ask all of us affected by this order to put aside our personal comfort to safeguard ourselves and fellow human beings. This common enemy can only be controlled if we all come together and obey scientific and medical advice.
As we remain ready to enforce these measures, we should see this as our individual contribution in the war against COVID-19. Many other countries have taken far stricter measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus with positive results.
For residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods will surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures, we shall deploy relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks.
Furthermore, although schools are closed, I have instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with state governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain the school feeding program during this period without compromising our social distancing policies. The Minister will be contacting the affected states and agree on detailed next steps.
Furthermore, I have directed that a three-month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.
I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government-funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.
For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.
For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.
We also call on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities, helping them with whatever they may need.
As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities.
This is why I directed that all Federal Government stadia, pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centres and makeshift hospitals.
My fellow Nigerians, as a government, we will avail all necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed to do whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country.
We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development partners.
At this point, I will ask that all contributions and donations be coordinated and centralised to ensure efficient and impactful spending. The Presidential Task Force remains the central coordinating body on the COVID-19 response.
I want to assure you all that government ministries, departments and agencies with a role to play in the outbreak response are working hard to bring this virus under control.
Every nation in the world is challenged at this time. But we have seen countries where citizens have come together to reduce the spread of the virus.
I will, therefore, implore you again to strictly comply with the guidelines issued and also do your bit to support government and the most vulnerable in your communities.
I will take this opportunity to thank all our public health workforce, healthcare workers, port health authorities and other essential staff on the frontlines of the response for their dedication and commitment. You are true heroes.
I thank you all for listening. May God continue to bless and protect us all.