The Federal Government on Monday extended the gradual easing of Coronavirus lockdown by two weeks across the nation.
Boss Mustapha, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said this at a briefing.
He said the nation was not ready for full re-opening of the economy yet and that there would be stricter enforcement of the gradual easing of the lockdown to ensure that people obey.
Mustapha said the outcomes of the first phase of the eased lockdown had been mixed, saying that while some objectives were met, assessment showed that non-compliance was rampant, but said the PTF nevertheless continued to persuade the populace through its messaging and daily briefing, on the need to take responsibility.
According to Mustapha, “the reality is that in spite of the modest progress made, Nigeria is not yet ready for full opening of the economy and tough decisions have to be taken for the good of the greater majority.
“Any relaxation will only portend grave danger for our populace. Advisedly, the current phase of eased restriction will be maintained for another two weeks during which stricter enforcement and persuasion measures will be pursued.
“The two weeks extension of Phase one of the eased restriction is also to enable other segments of the economy prepare adequately for compliance with the guidelines, preparatory to reopening in the coming weeks. For the PTF, we share your pains but our future is in the hands of every Nigerian and future decisions will depend greatly on our compliance.”
Mustapha added that based on the recommendations of the PTF, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved that the measures, exemptions, advisories and scope of entities allowed to reopen under phase one of the eased locked down, shall be maintained across the federation for another two weeks effective from 12:00 midnight today (18th May, 2020 to 1st June, 2020).
