UPDATED: Coronavirus: Nigeria shuts land borders

The Nigerian government has announced the immediate closure of all the country’s borders to human traffic.

The announcement comes as Nigeria records 36 cases, with one patient reported dead Monday morning.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, stated this while addressing a news conference on Monday.

“All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020”.

Mr Mustapha said the new measures are in addition to closure of the country’s air space from international travels.

The government also announced the suspension of the weekly meeting of ministers, the Federal Executive Council.

A meeting of the National Council of State scheduled for Thursday is also cancelled, according to the SGF who heads the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Pandemic.

He said the new decision is part of additional measures taken to further control the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The government enjoined residents of Abuja and Lagos to restrict their movements.

“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.”

Mr Mustapha said the government will also roll out instructions that will guide conduct of civil servants during the emergency period.

Read full text of Mr Mustapha’s address below:

In furtherance of our ongoing engagement with the public and stakeholders through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), I have found it necessary to update you on recent developments regarding the management of matters arising from COVID-19 Pandemic.

2. Let me remind you that as at the time the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), briefed you earlier today, the numbers from the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the virus has covered 192 countries, reporting over 329,000 cases. In Africa, 42 out of 54 countries have reported cases while 48 deaths have been recorded.

3. In Nigeria 36 cases have been reported and one fatality has occurred. The first responders, particularly the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), continues to attend to reports received through telephone calls and other medium.

4. We commend Nigerians for stepping out to report and/or make enquires through the dedicated hotlines. Records show that on Sunday, 22nd March, 2020, over 4500 calls were received. This shows the high level of awareness amongst Nigerians.

5. The strategy of government is to focus on testing, detection and containment through contact tracking in order to minimize hugely, the possibility of community spread. We urge anyone experiencing the symptoms of the virus or has been in contact with anyone who has been suspected or tested positive to please report at the nearest medical facility or the designated center.

6. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) continues to monitor the global and domestic developments and has isolated Lagos and Abuja for particular attention in view of their population, mobility and number of cases already reported.

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7. As you are all aware, a number of advisories have been issued and measures taken. Part of the measures being taken presently include the following:

i.escalating the nation’s capacity for testing and detection through the acquisition of more testing kits and establishment of additional test centres;

ii.acquisition of personnel protection equipment (PPE) for different categories of frontline personnel;

iii.enhancing contact tracking;

iv.deepening awareness creation;

v.mobilization of experts and trained personnel whether in service or retired;

vi.introduction of social distancing policies and banning mass gathering of over fifty (50) persons

vii.closure of schools and tertiary institutions;

viii.The total ban on international travels shall commence at 12.00 midnight tonight at all our airports; and

ix.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.

8. Ladies and gentlemen, after a further review, Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures:

i.Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice;

ii.Postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;

iii.All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020;

iv.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;

v.If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;

vi.Federal Government, is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 Pandemic; and

vii.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.

9. Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr. President and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup this national response. However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) shall be updating Nigerians from time to time when the need arise.

10. I thank you very much.