Governance Index
COVID-19: Buhari Adopts SESSNet Recommendation on gradual reopening of Economy
President Muhammad Buhari on Monday adopted the recommendations of the South East, South South Network (SESSnet) on gradual reopening of Economy without spreading of Coronavirus.
SESSnetwork had in a two hour brainstorming video conference attended by over 200 Nigerians across the globe, which was published in the media on Friday urged the South-East and South-South Governors to reopen the Economy without spreading of Coronavirus.
Address by President Buhari on the covid-19 lockdown measures today
However, President Buhari in his live telecast on Monday adopted the recommendation of the group on “Managed lockdown” against the total lockdown that was adopted for the past four weeks. The group proposition of “Managed Lockdown” means that the economy should be reopened partially, and in a phased approach, while monitoring Covid-19 cases and adopting aggressive testing to immediately isolate affected persons. Strict social distancing guidelines enforced……if and when the available data indicates massive increase of cases in any community, extra measures can be adopted to manage the situation.
The group also advocated for more funding to Statistic Institutions so they can acquire necessary capabilities to provide data driven insights needed for policy making.
Buhari while concurring with recommendation said, “I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.
“Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as follows;
There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services;
There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice;
Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and
‘We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.”
Also, President Buhari also yielded to the recommendation of the group on creation of awareness on the seriousness of the coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories.
In addition, Buhari concurred on the position of the group that CBN should to workout low interest loan for citizens as against free money.
Buharu said, “The monetary and fiscal authorities shall deploy all the necessary provisions needed for production to continue and thus, jobs restored.”
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