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Nigeria governors across the 36 states of the federation has called on the federal government to pronounce compulsory use of face masks for citizens and impose overnight curfew nationwide to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease.
This was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Boss Mustapha who is also the head of the Presidential Task Force PTF on COVID-19, dated Friday, April 24.
The governors, in the letter, made some recommendations to the president, Muhammadu Buhari, including banning inter-state travel and allowing their input in the next presidential intervention.
According to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum NGF and Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, he and his colleagues believe that these actions were necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The letter read: “Recall at that meeting, it was agreed that the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) articulates the issues that it would want to be included in the next Presidential Pronouncement on COVID-19 so as to have a Uniform and Coordinated Policy on COVID-19 at both the national and sub-national levels.
“Subject to Mr President’s approval, the NGF would want the following incorporated into Mr. President’s Pronouncements.
“Inter-State lockdown excluding movement of essential supplies – foods, beverages, medical and pharmaceuticals, petroleum supplies and agricultural products.
“Internal free movement but with restrictions on large gatherings and assemblies: overnight curfews:
“Lockdown of flights: and compulsory use of face masks/coverings in the public.”
The SGF however acknowledged receipt of the letter during a media briefing of the PTF and said the recommendations of the governors would be included in the report that the task force would submit.
The president is expected to address the nation on Monday as the two weeks lockdown extension announced on April 13 is due to elapsed soon.
