Coronavirus: FG closes all land borders in Nigeria

The Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has closed all land borders for a month over the deadly coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria.

Onyxnewsng reports that this was announced on Monday evening, 23 March by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on coronavirus (COVID-19), Boss Mustapha.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation also said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting earlier planned for Thursday, March 26 has also been postponed.

Mustapha said that federal government has also postponed the Council of State meeting earlier scheduled for Thursday. He also announced that civil servants are to be issued an advisory on way forward.

Mustapha said President Buhari received the recommendations of the Taskforce on coronavirus (COVID-19).

He said: “Mr President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures: Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice; Postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March 2020; all land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March 2020.”

Others are: “In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately; If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed; Federal Government, is at the highest level, engaging with state governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 pandemic; and all Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non- essential outings until further advice is given.

He further said: “Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr President and his determination to mobilize all resources to back up this national response. However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) shall be updating Nigerians from time to time when the need arises.”