President Buhari addressed Nigerians this evening, here is the full text:
ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI,
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CUMULATIVE LOCKDOWN ORDER OF LAGOS AND OGUN STATES AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ON COVID- 19 PANDEMIC
AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 20201. Fellow Nigerians
2. Commendation was given to all for showing resilience and patriotism in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.
3. A global tally of approximately three million confirmed cases of COVID-19 with about nine hundred thousand recoveries and two hundred thousand deaths has been recorded as at yesterday, 26th April 2020.
4. Many nations continue to struggle with the health systems and economies due to the coronavirus pandemic.
5. Nigeria continues to adapt to these global realities. A presentation of facts and plans for the coming month was provided, recognizing the potential changes in key variables and assumptions.
6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were three hundred and twenty three confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
7. As at this morning, Nigeria has recorded one thousand two hundred and seventy-three cases across 32 States and the FCT. This includes 40 fatalities.
8. Condolences were expressed to the families of Nigerians who have lost their loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
9. Initial models predicted Nigeria would record an estimated two thousand confirmed cases in the first month after the index case. Despite the drastic increase in the number of confirmed cases in the past two weeks, the measures put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against the projections.
10. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that the border closures yielded positive results, mostly with Nigerians returning through land borders. Enforcing land border arrival protocols will continue as part of the containment strategy.
11. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) now has 15 accredited laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day. Lagos State Government and the FCT, with support from NCDC, have established several sample collection centers and are reviewing their laboratory testing strategy.
12. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres have been operationalised across the country, increasing bed capacity to about three thousand. State Governors were commended for their efforts in responding to the pandemic.
13. Over ten thousand healthcare workers have been trained and additional personal protective equipment has been distributed to all the states. Efforts continue to establish a solid supply chain process to ensure healthcare workers are properly equipped.
14. A memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives has been signed with key health sector professional associations, and insurance cover has been procured for five thousand frontline health workers.
15. Nigeria has received support from the international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector, and individuals, ensuring critical lifesaving equipment and materials are available for Nigeria.
16. The distribution and expansion of palliatives continues in a transparent manner, with plans for financial stimulus packages for small and medium scale enterprises.
17. Security agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by the unusual situation. Concerns were expressed about isolated security incidents involving hoodlums and miscreants, with the assurance of zero tolerance for human rights abuses by security agencies.
18. Concern was expressed about the developments in Kano in recent days, with a decision to deploy additional Federal Government resources to support the State Government’s efforts.
19. Adherence to advisories published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, including hand washing, social distancing, wearing of face masks, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels, and avoidance of large gatherings, was urged.
20. The phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States, effective from May 4th, 2020 at 9am, was approved, along with measures to reinforce testing and contact tracing.
21. Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm, an overnight curfew is in place from 8pm to 6am, non-essential inter-state passenger travels are banned, and partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed. The mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public and maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene, as well as the restriction on social and religious gathers, will continue. State Governments, corporate organisations, and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks.
22. The lockdown in the FCT, Lagos & Ogun States will remain in place until the new guidelines come into effect on Saturday, 2nd May 2020 at 9am.
23. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector-specific details and timing guidelines, with flexibility for State Governors to adapt based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with public health and hygiene guidelines.
24. The revised guidelines do not apply for Kano State, where the total lockdown announced by the State Government shall remain enforced, with the Federal Government’s support.
25. Commendation was given to the frontline workers across the country and the support received from traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Presidential Task Force, corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN family, the European Union, friendly nations, and the media. Assurance was given of government’s continued measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of all citizens and residents.
26. The address concludes with thanks to all Nigerians for their patience and cooperation during this difficult period and a blessing for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.