Nigerian govt asked to extend COVID-19 lockdown

Abdulaziz Yari, former governor of Zamfara state, has asked the federal government not to extend the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the federal capital territory (FCT).

He gave this suggestion in a statement signed by Mayowa Oluwabiyi, his media aide, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari had extended the initial two-week lockdown declared on March 30 by an additional two weeks.

Yari said the ongoing lockdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun, aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 was significant but that an extension of the order would be ineffectual.

“Further freeze on economic activities will be counterproductive as the instinct to survive for many of the people who are basically poor will frustrate compliance,” he said.

He said rather than an extension of the lockdown face masks should be made compulsory as people return to work.

“The most important thing is that delegated officials are delivering on their mandate very well,” he said.

“I am happy the president offered to increase the number of people that can benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer programme by another one million individuals.

“Given our population, that is quite small but again it is a question of capacity. Nigeria does not have the capacity to undertake catering to everyone at this point. Right now, it is best for us to be a lot more understanding.”