President Muhammadu Buhari today, extends the current ease of lockdown for another 2 weeks.

It was expected that the President would address the nation today but he gave the task to the secretary to the Government of he Federation who doubles as the Chairman, PTF on covid19, Boss Mustapha.

Speaking through Boss Mustapha, the President says that a total ease of lockdown would erode the modest gains made by the country.

Full briefing by #PTFCOVID19  Chairman:

“The reality is that in spite of the modest progress made, Nigeria is not ready for full opening of the economy and tough decisions have to be taken for the good of the greater majority. Any relaxation will only potent grave danger for our populace.

“Advisedly, the current phase of eased restriction will be maintained for another 2 weeks during which stricter enforcement and persuasion will be pursued.

“The 2-week extension of Phase 1 of the eased restoration is also to enable other segments of the economy prepare adequately for the compliance with the guidelines, preparatory to reopening in the coming weeks.

“For the PTF, we share your pains but our future is in the hands of every Nigerian and future decisions will depend greatly on our compliance. Based on the recommendations of the PTF, Mr President has approved the following:

1. The measures, exemptions, advisories and scope of entities allowed to reopen under phase 1 of the eased lockdown, shall be maintained across the federation for another 2 weeks effective for 12:00 mining today, (Monday 18the May 2020) to June 1st 2020
2. Intensifyin efforts to tell (communicate), trace (identify) and treat (manage) cases
3. Elevating the level of community ownership of the non-pharmaceutical interventions
4. Maintain the existing lockdown order in Kano for an additional 2 weeks
5. Imposition of precision lockdown in states, or in the metropolitan/high-burden LGAs, that are reporting rapidly increasing number of cases, when the need arises. This would be complimented with the provision of palliative and continued re-evaluation of impact of the interventions; and
6. Aggressive scale up of efforts to ensure that communities are informed, engaged and participating in the response with enhanced public awareness in high risk states.

“Specific implementation of guidelines would be communicated by the National Coordinator during this press briefing and would be circulated through the conventional and social media

“The #PTFCOVID19 shall engage with the states on the effective implementation of these guidelines. As contained in the address of Mr President on 27th April, 2020, State governors are reminded to align their state specific measures with the guidelines issued by the PTF.”

Related story:

President Buhari’s 3rd Address on Covid-19 Pandemic