…Commends Dangote, Elemelu, Rabiu, Other Donors

…Monetary Authorities for Support to Entrepreneurs, Companies

…Eschew Peddling of Misinformation

…Implores Citizens to Abide with Guidelines on Hygiene, Social Distancing  

To dispel the raging charge that he was in some deep slumber, as the country meanders in the throes of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, President Muhammadu Buhari finally reaches for the gauntlet, releasing N10 billion to Lagos, regarded as the epicentre of the virus in Nigeria and another N5 billion to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). He also applauded medical professionals for their work in containing the spread of the virus while saluting donors who have contributed immensely to the relief fund.

As at the last count, the cases of the virus in the country had risen to 81 with Lagos leading with over 50. More than 510,000 cases have already been recorded globally leading to over 22,000 deaths. The federal and state governments have taken stern measures bordering on virtual lockdown, shutting international flights, schools, entertainment places, markets for non essential goods and inter-state highways while imposing restrictions on social gatherings and worship centres as part of the attempt to stem the spread of the virus.

In a letter to the Nigeria people, Mr Buhari says, “Over the last few days I have received extensive briefings on the state of the nation as it relates to the Covid-19 pandemic, from the relevant Federal Government agencies as well as the Lagos State Government.

“Accordingly, I approved the following:

“The immediate release of a 10 billion Naira grant to Lagos State, which remains the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak in Nigeria. This grant will enable Lagos increase its capacity to control and contain the outbreak, while also supporting other states with capacity-building.

“The immediate release of a 5 billion Naira special intervention fund to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to equip, expand and provide personnel to its facilities and laboratories across the country.

“The Nigerian Air Force is already making its fleet available to the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, to enable a better coordinated and more effective response across the country.

“To protect our homeland from external exposure, I directed the immediate closure of our International Airports and Land Borders for four weeks in the first instance, to enable us put up the appropriate policies, processes and infrastructure to cope with suspected and confirmed cases at home, without risking a compounding of the situation with more imported cases.

“The inconvenience caused by these flight and travel restrictions to our fellow citizens abroad who want to return home is regrettable, but it is necessary for the greater good, and I thank you all for your understanding and cooperation.

“I have also directed that only cargo vessels that have been at sea for more than 14 days be allowed to dock in our ports, after the crew have been tested and confirmed disease-free by the Port Health Authorities.

“This 14-day restriction however does not apply to vessels carrying oil and gas products as by their nature, there is minimal human contact.

“We have also suspended the movement of commuter trains to limit the spread of the virus to other parts of the country.

“I have directed the NCDC to draft all its recent retirees back into service to beef up our manpower as we respond to the pandemic.

“Furthermore, all NCDC staff and experts who are away on training or international assignments are to return immediately.

“Already the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) are conducting an evacuation mission to bring back some of our specialists in Central Africa, to enable them support the national response.

“I commend the monetary policy authorities for their financial intervention to support our entrepreneurs and companies as we go through this difficult time.

“We are also looking at fiscal measures to minimise the negative impact of this pandemic on the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.

“As you are aware we have begun the process of reviewing the federal budget. We shall communicate our fiscal interventions once the budget review process is concluded.

“In the meantime, I have directed the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, to work with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), to ensure that all production of essential items such as food, medical and pharmaceutical products continues unhindered.

“We are engaging our international friends and partners to share knowledge and to seek their support in our response to the pandemic. We are grateful for the show of support thus far – we have already started receiving goods and supplies intended to help us scale up our efforts.

“Let me specially thank and commend all of the hard and heroic work being done by our medical personnel, the NCDC, Port Health Authorities, Security Agencies, State Governments, and all ad-hoc staff and volunteers.

“I urge all Nigerians to be mindful of those among us who seek to spread panic and misinformation, and sow confusion at this time.

“We must all pay attention only to the relevant government agencies working day and night to make accurate and useful information available to the public.

“I will also ask all of us to strictly obey all public health guidelines and instructions issued by the Federal and State health authorities, regarding personal hygiene and social distancing.

“These guidelines will be updated from time to time as new information and treatments are obtained.

“In the meantime, I want to assure all Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting all Nigerians. We seek your full support and cooperation as we go through this very difficult time. Together we will triumph over this pandemic, Buhari says.

The President also commended wealthy Nigerians who have made donations towards the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Presidency in a statement on Friday saluted the spiritedness of the donors as the country tries to up its ante in the battle against the disease.

“President Buhari has saluted the public-spiritedness of wealthy Nigerians and organizations for standing up to be counted in the battle against the #Covid19 pandemic.

“The President commends members of the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against Covid19, made up of people like Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu of BUA Group, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Herbert Wigwe, Segun Agbaje & Jim Ovia of UBA, Access, GT, & Zenith Banks, respectively for contributing N1 billion each, and being in the vanguard of encouraging others in the private sector to do same.

“UBA has equally donated the sum of N5 billion to Nigeria and Africa, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has pledged N50 million, while First Bank is partnering with government, the UN, and innovative technological firms to provide e-learning solutions to at least one million children under its ‘Keep Them Engaged, Keep Them Safe’ initiative.

“The President extols every other helping hand that has been lent by individuals, groups and organizations, which may not necessarily be in the public domain, noting that God who sees all things will abundantly recompense.

“President Buhari recommends these laudable strides to other high net-worth Nigerians and organizations, stressing that hand in hand, the country will overcome the challenges brought by the pandemic, and chart a new course in nationalism and brotherhood,” the statement said.