Buhari extends lockdown in Lagos, Ogun, Abuja for one week, total lockdown on Kano state

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday extended the lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun State by one week, just as he also announced a total lockdown in Kano State for two weeks.

Penushing reports that, Buhari made the pronouncement while addressing Nigerians on the coronavirus pandemic, explaining that from next week Monday, the lockdown will be relaxed in the three states to night curfews (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

“For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020,” he said, adding that  he was approving a ‘phased and gradual easing’ of lockdown measures in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun.

Penpushing further reports that, Buhari emphasized that the measures were taken based on the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on coronavirus, the various federal government committees who reviewed the socio-economic impact of the restrictions and the Nigeria Governors Forum.

“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors,” he noted.

Penpushing also reports that Buhari on Kano State said he has directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks with immediate effect, stressing that federal government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighboring States,”

.“With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighboring States,”

Penpushing reports that, before the President’s update address, State Governors forum advised on need for intra-state movement be allowed, while interstate trips should be restricted, as well as number of the citizens, called for a partial lifting of the lockdown.

The Governors also emphasized the need for compulsory wearing of facemasks in public places by residents as well continued ban on large gatherings, while the. Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) advised the government to extend the lockdown by two more weeks

Meanwhile,the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in its line of argument raised concerns a spike in the spread of the contagion if the country reopens now.