Coronavirus: FG warns over possibility of explosion in cases
- Nigeria may experience coronavirus explosion, according to Lai Mohammed
- The minister, however, said the federal government is taking serious measure to stop the spread of the killer disease
- Going further, Mohammed lauded state governments who have made tough decisions concerning the deadly coronavirus
Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture, has warned Nigerians over the possibility of having an explosion of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
The minister disclosed this on Thursday, March 26, while updating the press on the measures taken by the Muhammadu Buhari's administration to tackle the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.
He said the government has stopped international flights, prohibition of large congregation and markets have been shut down by state governors, Daily Trust reports.
Mohammed also encouraged Nigerians to take social distancing seriously.
He said the government has also embarked on contact tracing, testing, isolation of suspected cases as well ensuring that messages get down to the grassroots about the virus.
“I don’t intend to sound apocalyptic. But the truth is that time is running out. If we don’t urgently and more aggressively enforce the measures I have just listed, we have a short window within which to stop this pandemic or face an explosion in terms of the cases. We cannot afford to be complacent,” he said.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Atiku Abubakar has urged the federal government to provide palliative package for Nigerians over the coronavirus outbreak.
The former vice president urged the FG to pay N10,000 to all Nigerians to enable them survive the lockdown.
Atiku who asked the FG to find ways to reach Nigerians with the money pledged N50million for the welfare package.
He disclosed this in a statement he posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday, March 25.
Below is part of his statement:
"As the coronavirus pandemic ravages the world, I applaud the various Nigerian state governments who have proactively taken measures, such as issuing stay at home orders, and shutting down non-essential markets and other places of mass gatherings, while also giving guidelines for social distancing.
"However, we must accept the fact that much of the Nigerian public have a subsistence existence. A large percentage of our people do not have the financial capacity to withstand long periods of self-isolation and even lockdown. It is, therefore, incumbent on the Federal and state governments to provide palliatives to the Nigerian people to enable them to survive, even as they abide by these necessary measures put in place for their safety.
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"At an approximate 30 million households or thereabouts, the government should devise modalities to distribute N10,000 as a supplement for foodstuff to each household, among other palliative measures, with no one left behind.
"It is thus time for the National Assembly to reconvene in an emergency session, perhaps by teleconference (in line with the demands of social distancing), to legislate a Stimulus Package Act that will cater for all Nigerian citizens.
"I also call on all Mobile Telephony Companies in Nigeria to urgently develop mobile money platforms so that the government can reach the unbanked with financial assistance. I also urge these telecommunications firms to offer each of the 100 million mobile phone lines in Nigeria free credit of at least ₦1500 per mobile line, so that Nigerians who show symptoms, or those who just want information, can call the nearest available health facility, or even an ambulance service, as the case may be."
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Coronavirus: 5 ways Nigeria is handling COVID-19 | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
