The Nigerian government is dissatisfaction with the populace’s partial compliance with the standard protocols and new guidelines comprising of social distancing, wearing of face masks at market places, business environment and other public places among others, which have been set up as part of measures to check the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.
Otunba, Richard Adeniyi Adebayo, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, revealed this at the weekly briefing of the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) of the Committee on Sustainable Production and Delivery of Essential Commodities During Covid-19 Pandemic.
Adebayo said President Muhammadu Buhari in a nationwide broadcast while directing the easing of a five weeks lockdown in Lagos, Ogun States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) gave clear guidelines on the first phase of the new measures spanning 4th -17th May, 2020 by “imploring all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Presidential Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) which include regular hand washing, strict mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public, maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings, restrictions on social and religious gatherings”.
The Minister also urged banks and other commercial institutions to open up all its branches so as to allow customers to be less crowded at banks premises which could risk the danger of infection of Covid-19 as well as compromising measures put in place to tackle the spread of the Pandemic.
Mr. Adebayo further expressed satisfaction with the conduct of security agencies in carrying out their duties by ensuring that Mr. President’s directives of “free-flow and unhindered movement of foods, pharmaceuticals, medical equipments and other essential Commodities across the country” is adhered to.
He further emphasized that the gradual re-opening of the economy issued by the Presidential Task Force prohibits inter-state travels except for the movement of essential commodities as he cautions that Mr. President may possibly restore the total lockdown if the violation of the guidelines continue.
Adebayo also said that observance of market protocols in business working environment, Manufacturing Industries across the country is paramount in containing the disease.
The Minister commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing his Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, as the Team Leader (Technical and Logistics) of the Presidential Delegation to Tackle COVID-19 Pandemic in Kano State.
