Breaking: FG Extends Eased COVID-19 Lockdown In Nigeria By One Month

The federal government on Monday announced the extension of the phase three of the national COVID-19 lockdown by one month.

This was announced by the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha during the weekly task force briefing in Abuja.

He said the extension is necessary due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

He said, “The PTF is improving on the International Travel Portal to minimize the challenges passengers keep encountering.

“Similarly, it is reviewing the guidelines on the implementation of phase three of the eased lockdown which is due to expire today.

“In view of the fact that our numbers are not abating, all extant measures prescribed in these guidelines are (subject to some modifications) extended by a period of one month with effect from Tuesday, January 26, 2020.”

Mustapha also allayed the fears by some people on the COVID-19 vaccines being expected in the country in February, warning Nigerians to stay clear of fake vaccines.

“We wish to assure all Nigerians that the vaccines will be safe and effective when eventually it is deployed. We enjoin everyone to join in the campaign to eliminate vaccine hesitancy.

“I have to however advise all Nigerians that the only source of vaccines that is safe and effective in Nigeria is through the channels of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

“Please do not patronise any one hawking or marketing vaccines,” he added.

In related news, it will be recalled that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has declared his administration will not vaccinate over 20 million Lagosians against the deadly COVID-19 due to the lack of funds.

Speaking in an interview on a programme on Channels Television on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu said his administration is discussing with the private sector to help fund the production of vaccines.

According to the governor, the state government is also engaging some companies in the production of COVID-19 vaccines for residents of the state.