BEVERLY HILLS, April 27, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the federal capital territory (FCT) by one week.
In his third COVID-19 nationwide broadcast on Monday night, the president explained that he consulted widely before taking the decision.
He commended Nigerians for the level of endurance shown throughout the four weeks that the lockdown has lasted, advising them to adhere to the guidelines of the presidential task force on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The President, however, approved the phased and gradual easing of the lockdown from May 4.
“I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation,” he said.
“As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally with about 900,000 recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have passed away as a result of this pandemic.
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“The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Nigeria continues to adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. Today, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming months fully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.
“Exactly two weeks ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory. 7. As at this morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths.
“In line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.”
The announcement will enable many who have been forced to stay at home for more than a month as well as businesses to reopen.
THEWILL recalls that the President had first announced a two-week lockdown on March 29. It became effective on Monday March 30. The President further extended it by two weeks.
