By Francis Ogwo
The Federal Government has announced modalities for a gradual reopening of Nigeria’s economy closed in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The phased reopening, announced Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha will span six weeks with each phase reviewed every two weeks to determine progress or otherwise.
This according to the SGF is designed to ease the pains on the socio-economic well being of the masses and strengthening the public health response while adding that “the process would “provide succour to the poor and vulnerable.”
The economic template of Nigeria has been under lock and keys for four weeks as businesses such as airports, schools, markets, industries etc.
This shutdown also affected Lagos, the commercial hub and Abuja.
On this, President Muhammadu Buhari in his address on Monday disclosed that the lockdown imposed, a month ago, on FCT, Lagos and Ogun will be relaxed tonight curfews (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) from May 4, 2020.
This he said this will be “strictly followed with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.”
Mr Mustapha also urged state governments to adopt strategic leadership in its dealings with sectors and relevant associations and stakeholders while tasking security agencies on enforcement of the new laws.
“To underscore the collaborative efforts with Sub-National levels of Government, they are encouraged to provide leadership in engaging relevant associations responsible for various sectors e.g market associations and transport unions for orderly and effective implementation.
”Similarly, I want to emphasise the need for the security agencies to strictly enforce these new measures that have been put in place,” he added.
The guidelines also emphasized compliance to the midnight curfew nationwide.
“Following the pronouncement of the President, it has become necessary to provide initial clarifications for Nigerians on some of the new measures such as the overnight curfew, inter-state travels and related matters. Specific details will be provided shortly by the National Coordinator.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the following clarifications, are provided: The overnight curfew is applicable nationwide from 8.00 pm to 06.00 am daily, effective Monday, 4th of May, 2020; Inter-State travels are banned except for the movement of goods, agro-products, petroleum products, essential services, etc. such as directed by Mr President;
The SGF further charged the management of various offices, premises and businesses that will be gradually reopened to ensure that the following are complied with: fumigation and decontamination, an arrangement made for physical distancing, provision of hand sanitizers and handwashing facilities, application of the policy on mandatory use of face masks, provision of thermometers for temperature checks, consideration must be given to persons living with disabilities while making all these arrangements, increased communication with staff on COVID-19 and measures put in place and any other measure that may be peculiar for the organisations and/or sector.
Strong emphasis against a mass gathering of more than 20 people outside of a workplace was made and strictly prohibited while stating that controlled access to neighbourhood markets and locations of economic activities will be enforced.
The public should also be willing to make themselves available for mandatory temperature checks to be conducted in public places with the social distancing of 2 metres maintained between people in workplaces and other public places.
The aviation sector is yet to get the nod of the government to reopen as it was said that “All passenger flights remain under the ban, and mandatory supervised isolation of persons arriving from outside the country for at least 14 days”.
Mustapha advised that State Governments in collaboration with Security Agencies and relevant trade associations should ensure that these measures are strictly enforced.
No doubt, a cross-section of the public may have a poor understanding of the easing of the stage as an end to COVID 19. On this the SGF said: ” I must emphasise once more that the easing of restrictions and the introduction of revised measures do not amount to the end of this battle against COVID-19. Indeed, it signifies the need for more vigilance and stringent compliance so that we are not lulled into complacence capable of diminishing the progress we have made so far”, he added.
The geometric deaths currently sweeping through Kano State was also on the priority of the Federal Government as it said “In furtherance of tackling the situation in Kano, the technical team of public health experts sent by the PTF has begun the evaluation of the situation in the State, working in collaboration with the State’s Team.
“I am pleased to also inform you that the operationalization of the laboratories in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University Kano, will considerably improve our response to the pandemic in Kano State. Additionally, fifty trucks of assorted grains have been sent to Kano and due for delivery within the next 48 hours.
While the struggle and search for possible cures by health experts and scientists continue globally, the SGF stressed the role of research saying local scientists must be encouraged and capacity for research deepened while revisiting the important role of relevant Research Institutes at this time.
“The Federal Ministry of Health is coordinating the process in conjunction with the National Institute for Medical Research and the Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development. We have received information on domestic and international claims about emerging inventions on COVID-19.
“These are most welcome but scientific validation process and protocols will have to be followed. We are open to all options for the good of humanity”, he added.
Nigeria has recorded over 1,500 COVID-19 cases since its index case was recorded in February.
At least 58 people have died from the disease in the country with many at the risk of death with the cure still not yet in sight.
