Residents of Niger state have been warned by the government that failure to comply with the stay-at-home order may result in fines, imprisonment, or both, as stipulated by the state’s laws.
During a press briefing on Sunday, April 5th, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the State Action Committee on COVID-19, emphasized the necessity of this new measure due to widespread disregard for social distancing and gathering directives, essential precautionary measures against the spread of Coronavirus.
Matane stressed that it is crucial to move beyond appeals and directives to control the spread of the highly infectious disease and prevent a potential health and economic crisis in the state. He stated that the Governor invoked the Niger State COVID-19 Order 2020, granted to him by the law and constitution, for the collective well-being, safety, and public health of the people.
Furthermore, the state government has adjusted the movement restrictions, allowing markets to open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, while intra and inter-state movement of people and vehicles remains prohibited. Civil Servants on Grade Level 1 – 12, previously instructed to stay at home, are now scheduled to resume work from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Monday, April 6, 2020.
Additional directives were issued to local government areas bordering neighboring states to ensure effective monitoring of people and vehicles entering the area, as all entry points to the state remain closed except for essential services.
Addressing rumors about a ban on ‘call to Prayers,’ the Secretary to the State Government clarified that the state is yet to report any cases of COVID-19 and urged people to refrain from spreading false information.