President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the lockdown in Lagos,
Ogun and the federal capital territory (FCT) by one week.
In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, the president explained
that he consulted widely before taking the decision.
He commended Nigerians for the level of endurance shown
throughout the four weeks that the lockdown has lasted.
Buhari advised Nigerians to adhere the guidelines of the
presidential task force on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for
Disease Control (NCDC).
“Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the
Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government
committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the
Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual
easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective
from Monday, 4th May, 2020,” he said.
“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.”
According to him: “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 neighbouring States.”
Below read the Full Speech
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,
2020
1. Fellow Nigerians
2. I will start by commending you all for the resilience and
patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the
biggest health challenge of our generation.
3. As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed
cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally with about 900,000
recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have passed away as
a result of this pandemic.
4. The health systems and economies of many nations continue to
struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
5. Nigeria continues to adapt to these new global realities on a
daily basis. Today, I will present the facts as they are and
explain our plans for the coming months fully aware that some key
variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or
weeks.
6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20
States and the Federal Capital Territory.
7. As at this morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across
32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths.
8. I am using this opportunity to express our deepest
condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their
loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is our
collective loss and we share your grief.
9. Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an
estimated 2,000 confirmed cases in the first month after the index
case.
10. This means that despite the increase in the number of
confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we
have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against
the projections.
11. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has
reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures
yielded positive results. These are mostly fellow Nigerians
returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce
land border arrival protocols as part of the containment
strategy.
12. Today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has
accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate
capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country.
13. Based on your feedback, Lagos State Government and the FCT
with support from NCDC have established several sample collection
centers. They are also reviewing their laboratory testing strategy
to further increase the number of tests they can perform including
the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the
accreditation criteria.
14. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres
have been operationalised across the country thereby increasing bed
capacity to about three thousand.
15. I commend the State Governors for the activation of
State-level Emergency Operation Centres, establishment of new
treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk communication
strategies.
16. Over 10,000 healthcare workers have been trained. For their
protection, additional personal protective equipment have been
distributed to all the states.
17. Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we
remain committed to establishing a solid supply chain process to
ensure these heroic professionals can work safely and are properly
equipped.
18. In keeping with our Government’s promise to improve the
welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of
understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other
incentives with key health sector professional associations.
19. We have also procured insurance cover for 5,000 frontline
health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector
for their support in achieving this within a short period of
time.
20. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the
international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector
and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that
critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become
scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original
equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes.
21. The distribution and expansion of palliatives which I
directed in my earlier broadcast is still on-going in a transparent
manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by
expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise
patience as we continue to fine tune our logistical and
distribution processes working with the State Governments.
22. Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge
posed by this unusual situation. While we feel deeply concerned
about isolated security incidents, I want to assure all Nigerians
that your safety and security remain our primary concern especially
in these difficult and uncertain times.
23. As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not
tolerate any human rights abuse by our security agencies. The few
reported incidences are regrettable, and I want to assure you that
the culprits will be brought to justice.
24. I urge all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show
understanding whenever they encounter security agents. Furthermore,
for their protection, I have instructed that the personnel of all
the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal
protective equipment against infection.
25. As we continue to streamline our response in the centres of
Lagos and the FCT, I am gravely concerned about the unfortunate
developments in Kano in recent days. Although an in-depth
investigation is still on-going, we have decided to deploy
additional Federal Government manpower, material and technical
resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts,
with immediate effect.
26. In Kano, and indeed many other States that are recording new
cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from
interstate travel and emerging community transmission.
27. Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to
adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Presidential
Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
28. These include regular hand washing, physical distancing,
wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of
non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large
gatherings.
29. Fellow Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our
country have been under either Federal Government or State
Government lockdown. As I mentioned earlier, these steps were
necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the spread
of COVID-19 in our country.
30. However, such lockdowns have also come at a very heavy
economic cost. Many of our citizens have lost their means of
livelihood. Many businesses have shut down. No country can afford
the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the
development of vaccines.
31. In my last address, I mentioned that Federal Government will
develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while
preserving livelihoods.
32. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have
jointly and collaboratively worked hard on how to balance the need
to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging
global best practices while keeping in mind our peculiar
circumstances.
33. We assessed how our factories, markets, traders and
transporters can continue to function while at the same time
adhering to NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.
34. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without
compromising their health.
35. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in
this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised.
Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items
from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and
ultimately, to the key consumption centres.
36. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will
ensure our economy continues to function while still maintaining
our aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These same
difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the
world.
37. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of
the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal
Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and
the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual
easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective
from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
38. 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.
39. Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as
follows;
a. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means
all movements will be prohibited during this period except for
essential services;
b. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger
travel until further notice;
c. Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and
services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services
from producers to consumers; and
d. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or
coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing
and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and
religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments,
corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to
support the production of cloth masks for citizens.
40. 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.
41. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific
details to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and
institutions.
42. In respect to the above guidelines, State Governors may
choose to adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances
provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued
above.
43. To support our businesses and traders, the monetary and
fiscal authorities shall deploy all the necessary provisions needed
for production to continue and thus, jobs restored.
44. These revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State.
45. 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 neighbouring States.
46. I wish to once again, commend the frontline workers across
the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win
this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest
assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and
your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also
take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing
and welfare remain paramount to our Government.
47. I will also recognise the support we have received from our
traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the
Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent
religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support have
significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to
date.
48. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness
on the seriousness of the coronavirus among your worshippers and
communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public
health advisories.
49. I also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the
Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through
this collaboration, I remain confident that success is
achievable.
50. I also wish to thank corporate organisations,
philanthropists, the UN system, the European Union, friendly
nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the
responsibility of supporting our response.
51. And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your
patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging
period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all
necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our
citizens and residents.
52. I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal
Republic of Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the lockdown in Lagos,
Ogun and the federal capital territory (FCT) by one week.
In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, the president explained
that he consulted widely before taking the decision.
He commended Nigerians for the level of endurance shown
throughout the four weeks that the lockdown has lasted.
Buhari advised Nigerians to adhere the guidelines of the
presidential task force on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for
Disease Control (NCDC).
“Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the
Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government
committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the
Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual
easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective
from Monday, 4th May, 2020,” he said.
“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.”
According to him: “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 neighbouring States.”
Below read the Full Speech
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,
2020
1. Fellow Nigerians
2. I will start by commending you all for the resilience and
patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the
biggest health challenge of our generation.
3. As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed
cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally with about 900,000
recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have passed away as
a result of this pandemic.
4. The health systems and economies of many nations continue to
struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
5. Nigeria continues to adapt to these new global realities on a
daily basis. Today, I will present the facts as they are and
explain our plans for the coming months fully aware that some key
variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or
weeks.
6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20
States and the Federal Capital Territory.
7. As at this morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across
32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths.
8. I am using this opportunity to express our deepest
condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their
loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is our
collective loss and we share your grief.
9. Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an
estimated 2,000 confirmed cases in the first month after the index
case.
10. This means that despite the increase in the number of
confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we
have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against
the projections.
11. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has
reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures
yielded positive results. These are mostly fellow Nigerians
returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce
land border arrival protocols as part of the containment
strategy.
12. Today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has
accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate
capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country.
13. Based on your feedback, Lagos State Government and the FCT
with support from NCDC have established several sample collection
centers. They are also reviewing their laboratory testing strategy
to further increase the number of tests they can perform including
the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the
accreditation criteria.
14. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres
have been operationalised across the country thereby increasing bed
capacity to about three thousand.
15. I commend the State Governors for the activation of
State-level Emergency Operation Centres, establishment of new
treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk communication
strategies.
16. Over 10,000 healthcare workers have been trained. For their
protection, additional personal protective equipment have been
distributed to all the states.
17. Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we
remain committed to establishing a solid supply chain process to
ensure these heroic professionals can work safely and are properly
equipped.
18. In keeping with our Government’s promise to improve the
welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of
understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other
incentives with key health sector professional associations.
19. We have also procured insurance cover for 5,000 frontline
health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector
for their support in achieving this within a short period of
time.
20. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the
international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector
and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that
critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become
scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original
equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes.
21. The distribution and expansion of palliatives which I
directed in my earlier broadcast is still on-going in a transparent
manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by
expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise
patience as we continue to fine tune our logistical and
distribution processes working with the State Governments.
22. Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge
posed by this unusual situation. While we feel deeply concerned
about isolated security incidents, I want to assure all Nigerians
that your safety and security remain our primary concern especially
in these difficult and uncertain times.
23. As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not
tolerate any human rights abuse by our security agencies. The few
reported incidences are regrettable, and I want to assure you that
the culprits will be brought to justice.
24. I urge all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show
understanding whenever they encounter security agents. Furthermore,
for their protection, I have instructed that the personnel of all
the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal
protective equipment against infection.
25. As we continue to streamline our response in the centres of
Lagos and the FCT, I am gravely concerned about the unfortunate
developments in Kano in recent days. Although an in-depth
investigation is still on-going, we have decided to deploy
additional Federal Government manpower, material and technical
resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts,
with immediate effect.
26. In Kano, and indeed many other States that are recording new
cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from
interstate travel and emerging community transmission.
27. Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to
adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Presidential
Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
28. These include regular hand washing, physical distancing,
wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of
non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large
gatherings.
29. Fellow Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our
country have been under either Federal Government or State
Government lockdown. As I mentioned earlier, these steps were
necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the spread
of COVID-19 in our country.
30. However, such lockdowns have also come at a very heavy
economic cost. Many of our citizens have lost their means of
livelihood. Many businesses have shut down. No country can afford
the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the
development of vaccines.
31. In my last address, I mentioned that Federal Government will
develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while
preserving livelihoods.
32. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have
jointly and collaboratively worked hard on how to balance the need
to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging
global best practices while keeping in mind our peculiar
circumstances.
33. We assessed how our factories, markets, traders and
transporters can continue to function while at the same time
adhering to NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.
34. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without
compromising their health.
35. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in
this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised.
Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items
from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and
ultimately, to the key consumption centres.
36. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will
ensure our economy continues to function while still maintaining
our aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These same
difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the
world.
37. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of
the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal
Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and
the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual
easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective
from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
38. 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.
39. Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as
follows;
a. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means
all movements will be prohibited during this period except for
essential services;
b. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger
travel until further notice;
c. Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and
services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services
from producers to consumers; and
d. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or
coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing
and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and
religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments,
corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to
support the production of cloth masks for citizens.
40. 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.
41. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific
details to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and
institutions.
42. In respect to the above guidelines, State Governors may
choose to adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances
provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued
above.
43. To support our businesses and traders, the monetary and
fiscal authorities shall deploy all the necessary provisions needed
for production to continue and thus, jobs restored.
44. These revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State.
45. 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 neighbouring States.
46. I wish to once again, commend the frontline workers across
the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win
this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest
assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and
your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also
take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing
and welfare remain paramount to our Government.
47. I will also recognise the support we have received from our
traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the
Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent
religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support have
significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to
date.
48. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness
on the seriousness of the coronavirus among your worshippers and
communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public
health advisories.
49. I also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the
Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through
this collaboration, I remain confident that success is
achievable.
50. I also wish to thank corporate organisations,
philanthropists, the UN system, the European Union, friendly
nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the
responsibility of supporting our response.
51. And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your
patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging
period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all
necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our
citizens and residents.
52. I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal
Republic of Nigeria