Governors Endorse Inter-state Lockdown For Another Two Weeks

Matthew Ogune, Abuja

Governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have unanimously agreed to the implementation of an inter-state lockdown in the country over the next two weeks to mitigate the spread of the virus from State to State.

Chairman of the forum and Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who disclosed this after the forum’s sixth teleconference meeting maintained that only essential services will be permitted during this period.

According to Fayemi, members were briefed on the rapidly evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and coordination efforts with the federal government, multilateral and bilateral partners, and the private sector through the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).

Lamenting that over 25 states have been affected by the spread of the virus and increasing evidence of community transmission, The Governor disclosed that members called for the decentralization of the COVID-19 response as the best chance of nipping the spread of the virus in communities.

He continued: “Following an update from the NGF Secretariat on the number of COVID-19 cases in the country, members expressed serious concern over the rising spread of the virus among health workers and resolved to work with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure that health workers are adequately provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are constantly trained on the use of protective gears.”

“In order to strengthen coordinated implementation of necessary public health recommendations across States, Governors resolved to set up COVID-19 Committees at the regional level, headed by their State Commissioners of Health. Regional Committees will continue to interface with the State Task Force Committees on COVID-19 already established in each State.

“The Forum also received briefing from the Governors of Lagos, Bauchi, Oyo and Ogun State who shared their experiences and lessons from the fight against COVID-19.

“Lastly, the Forum congratulated the Governor of Kaduna State, H.E. Nasir El-Rufai who after nearly four weeks of testing positive and observing very strict medical regime has now received two consecutive negative test results for the Coronavirus.

“Members also conveyed their condolence to Mr President and the people of Borno State on the passing of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari who passed away on 17th April 2020 in the line of duty to the country.”