By Timothy Ojo
As part of its strategies to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, the Federal Government, Monday, ordered that all the country’s borders be closed immediately.
Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), also Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 created to tackle the menace of the coronavirus, revealed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
He said: “In furtherance of our ongoing engagement with the public and stakeholders through the PTF and the Minister of Health, I find it necessary to update you on recent developments regarding the management of matters arising from COVID-19 Pandemic.
“All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, March 23;
“In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately.
Also during the briefing, the SGF advised people in Lagos and Abuja to stay back at home for the time being.
“All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given,” he said.
Lagos has been the hardest hit state with 25 cases reported so far, while the numbers have been steadily rising in Abuja.
Mustapha also disclosed other measures being taken to improve the country’s capacity for quick detection and subsequent testing.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation also encouraged state governments to adhere strictly to the directives given by the federal government.
“Leaders of different faiths have been encouraged to restrict services and activities that involve mass gathering of more than fifty of their adherents. State governments are also enforcing this policy at different levels,” he said.
