“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.” Buhari said.
The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari recently declared lockdown on three major cities in the country following the increased rate on the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown will take effect Monday at 11 p.m. and last for an initial period of two weeks.
This will restrict all movement of people, close down of businesses and offices in the states which includes; Lagos, Africa’s biggest city, a sprawling metropolis of about 20 million people, and Abuja, the country’s capital city as well as Ogun state the neighboring state to Lagos and also an industrial hub to many of the country’s consumer goods company. These three areas are the most hit by the novel coronavirus, since it was discovered in Nigeria few weeks ago.
Meanwhile Nigeria is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to identify a person who tested positive for the disease, and now has 97 cases. The country has already closed its borders and halted domestic flights.
While travel to or from other states must be restricted, the seaports will remain open for cargo. Private jets will also be grounded and all federal government stadia will be converted into isolation centers and makeshift hospitals, the president said.
Among other measures announced by the president are the suspension of repayments for credit given to low-income traders and farmers, as well as for manufacturers and agribusinesses that have received funding as part of Buhari’s policy to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil.
After the two weeks lockdown which is in efforts to free the nation from the novel coronavirus and also aid the fight against it, Nigeria hopes for total eradication of COVID-19.
