Buhari To Take New Action On Lockdown As He Gets Briefing From COVID-19 Task Force

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday received a briefing from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

The presidential task force briefed Buhari on its activities and efforts to fight the pandemic in Nigeria at a meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

It will be recalled that President Buhari had after receiving the briefing from the committee on Monday, 27th July, extended the ease of lockdown in Nigeria by one week.

The SGF, Mustapha while conveying the President’s directive to members of the public, also noted that there will be another review at the end of the current extension.

Mustapha said: “We informed you two weeks ago that the process of submitting the 6th Interim Report and recommendations for next steps had commenced.

“The PTF has reached advanced stages of the process. It has also considered that due to the upcoming Sallah (Eid El-Kabir) festivities which coincides with the expiration of the current phase, it would be prudent to extend by one week, from 29th July, 2020 till Thursday 6th August, 2020.

“It has accordingly secured permission to retain the existing guidelines till that date.

“Considering the importance of international air travel to the economy, the PTF and the Aviation Sector are working hard to fast track reopening of the international airspace.

“Most importantly, the arrival protocols for passengers on in-bound flights are being firmed up for seamless testing and detection.

“Relevant MDAs will be holding further consultations.”

President @MBuhari receives briefing from Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 #PTFCOVID19 #AsoVillaToday pic.twitter.com/WLMTJsQjg6

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) August 5, 2020

A new step to be taken on the lockdown is expected to be announced after the President’s meeting with the COVID-19 taskforce team.