Coronavirus: 10 Major Things President Buhari Told Nigerians In His Nationwide Broadcast

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, addressed Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on the state of the nation as regards the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

The President in his speech, commended all citizens for the resilience and patriotism displayed in the collective fight against “the biggest health challenge of our generation.”

Naija News has extracted some of the major things President Buhari said in his speech.

• He used the opportunity to express deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their lives loved ones as a result of the COVID nineteen Pandemic. This is our collective loss and we share in your grief.
• President Buhari extended the lockdown in Abuja, Lagos State, and Ogun State by one week.
• President Buhari also approved the gradual and conditional relaxation of the lockdown in the country. He said the phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States will become effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
• President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday also ordered the total lockdown of Kano State for two weeks.
• The Nigerian 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.
• Over ten thousand healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment has been distributed to all the states and for the welfare of healthcare workers, government has signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives with key health sector professional associations.
• No case of human rights abuses by security agencies will be tolerated.
• The restrictions on social and religious gathering shall remain in place nationwide.
• A phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States which will become effective from Monday, 4th May 2020 will have the following features: a. Selected businesses and offices can open from 9 am to 6 pm;
  b. There will be an overnight curfew from 8 pm to 6 am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except essential services;
  c. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice;
  d. There will be Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed to allow for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers, and
  e. The mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.
• President Buhari also appreciated all Nigerians again for their patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period.

Meanwhile, the full text of the President’s speech can be found here.