Buhari orders restriction of movement in Abuja, Lagos for 14 days

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the restriction of movements in Nigeria’s capital city Abuja and Lagos, which are the hardest hit by a coronavirus in the country.

“Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11 pm on Monday, 30th March 2020.

“This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States,” Buhari said in a national address on Sunday evening.

“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.”

Nigeria on Thursday, February 28, confirmed its first case of coronavirus in Lagos State.

Since then, Nigeria’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 96 more cases, making it 97 cases in total as at 8:30 pm Sunday.

The first index case, an Italian businessman, and two other persons have since been discharged. One death has been recorded so far.

While the numbers of cases keep increasing, Nigeria has shut all schools and tertiary institutions in the country. It has also placed travel restrictions on 15 countries with a high prevalence of coronavirus and suspended its visa on arrival policy to curb the spread of the virus. All gathering in Nigeria is currently been barred.

These measures, Buhari said, are the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.

Buhari noted that business closures in the nation’s capital city, Lagos and Ogun State will cause many citizens inconveniences but urged them to see it as a sacrifice for the good of the country.

“Our focus, therefore, remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can,” Buhari said.

He urged all citizens to adhere to the guidelines released by the NCDC to avoid getting infected, along with regular hygiene to curb the spread of coronavirus.