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Full text Speech of President Buhari On The Extension Of Covid- 19 Pandemic Lockdown
ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE EXTENSION OF COVID- 19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
MONDAY, 13TH APRIL, 2020
1. Fellow Nigerians
2. In my address on Sunday, 29th March, 2020, I asked the residents of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory to stay at home for an initial period of fourteen days starting from Monday, 30th March 2020.
3. Many State Governments also introduced similar restrictions.
4. As your democratically elected leaders, we made this very difficult decision knowing fully well it will severely disrupt your livelihoods and bring undue hardship to you, your loved ones and your communities.
5. However, such sacrifices are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our country. They were necessary to save lives.
6. Our objective was, and still remains, to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and to provide space, time and resources for an aggressive and collective action.
7. The level of compliance to the COVID-19 guidelines issued has been generally good across the country. I wish to thank you all most sincerely for the great sacrifice you are making for each other at this critical time.
8. I will take this opportunity to recognise the massive support from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during this pandemic.
9. I also acknowledge the support and contributions received from public spirited individuals, the business community and our international partners and friends.
10. I must also thank the media houses, celebrities and other public figures for the great work they are doing in sensitizing our citizens on hygienic practices, social distancing and issues associated with social gatherings.
11. As a result of the overwhelming support and cooperation received, we were able to achieve a lot during these 14 days of initial lockdown.
12. We implemented comprehensive public health measures that intensified our case identification, testing, isolation and contact tracing capabilities.
13. To date, we have identified 92% of all identified contacts while doubling the number of testing laboratories in the country and raising our testing capacity to 1,500 tests per day.
14. We also trained over 7,000 Healthcare workers on infection prevention and control while deploying NCDC teams to 19 states of the federation.
15. Lagos and Abuja today have the capacity to admit some 1,000 patients each across several treatment centres.
16. Many State Governments have also made provisions for isolation wards and treatment centres. We will also build similar centers near our airports and land borders.
17. Using our resources and those provided through donations, we will adequately equip and man these centres in the coming weeks. Already, health care workers across all the treatment centers have been provided with the personal protective equipment that they need to safely carry out the care they provide.
18. Our hope and prayers are that we do not have to use all these centres. But we will be ready for all eventualities.
19. At this point, I must recognise the incredible work being done by our healthcare workers and volunteers across the country especially in frontline areas of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
20. You are our heroes and as a nation, we will forever remain grateful for your sacrifice during this very difficult time. More measures to motivate our health care workers are being introduced which we will announce in the coming weeks.
21. As a nation, we are on the right track to win the fight against COVID-19.
22. However, I remain concerned about the increase in number of confirmed cases and deaths being reported across the world and in Nigeria specifically.
23. On 30th March 2020, when we started our lockdown in conforming with medical and scientific advice, the total number of confirmed cases across the world was over 780,000.
24. Yesterday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally was over one million, eight hundred and fifty thousand. This figure is more than double in two weeks!
25. In the last fourteen days alone, over 70,000 people have died due to this disease.
26. In the same period, we have seen the health system of even the most developed nations being overwhelmed by this virus.
27. Here in Nigeria, we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th March 2020. We had two fatalities then.
28. This morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.
29. Most of our efforts will continue to focus in these two locations.
30. Majority of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent international travel history or those that came into contact with returnees from international trips.
31. By closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases is alarming.
32. The National Centre for Disease Control has informed me that, a large proportion of new infections are now occurring in our communities, through person-to-person contacts. So we must pay attention to the danger of close contact between person to person.
33. At this point, I will remind all Nigerians to continue to take responsibility for the recommended measures to prevent transmission, including maintaining physical distancing, good personal hygiene and staying at home.
34. In addition, I have signed the Quarantine Order in this regard and additional regulations to provide clarity in respect of the control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic which will be released soon.
35. The public health response to COVID-19 is built on our ability to detect, test and admit cases as well as trace all their contacts. While I note some appreciable progress, we can achieve a lot more.
36. Today, the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing the transmission of the virus. By sustaining these measures, combined with extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the spread of the disease.
37. Our approach to the virus remains in 2 steps – First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners.
38. With this in mind and having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.
39. This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square. The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We cannot be lax.
40. The previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.
41. This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear.
42. The repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable.
43. We must not lose the gains achieved thus far. We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission. We must endure a little longer.
44. I will therefore take this opportunity to urge you all to notify the relevant authorities if you or your loved ones develop any symptoms. I will also ask our health care professionals to redouble their efforts to identify all suspected cases, bring them into care and prevent transmission to others.
45. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained restriction of movement on its economy. I am fully aware of the great difficulties experienced especially by those who earn a daily wage such as traders, day-workers, artisans and manual workers.
46. For this group, their sustenance depends on their ability to go out. Their livelihoods depend on them mingling with others and about seeking work. But despite these realities we must not change the restrictions.
47. In the past two weeks, we announced palliative measures such as food distribution, cash transfers and loans repayment waivers to ease the pains of our restrictive policies during this difficult time. These palliatives will be sustained.
48. I have also directed that the current social register be expanded from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million households in the next two weeks. This means we will support an additional one million homes with our social investment programs. A technical committee is working on this and will submit a report to me by the end of this week.
49. The Security Agencies have risen to the challenges posed by this unprecedented situation with gallantry and I commend them. I urge them to continue to maintain utmost vigilance, firmness as well as restraint in enforcing the restriction orders while not neglecting statutory security responsibilities.
50. Fellow Nigerians, follow the instructions on social distancing. The irresponsibility of the few can lead to the death of the many. Your freedom ends where other people’s rights begin.
51. The response of our State Governors has been particularly impressive, especially in aligning their policies and actions to those of the Federal Government.
52. In the coming weeks, I want to assure you that the Federal Government, through the Presidential Task Force, will do whatever it takes to support you in this very difficult period. I have no doubt that, by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic.
53. I must also thank the Legislative arm of Government for all its support and donations in this very difficult period. This collaboration is critical to the short and long-term success of all the measures that we have instituted in response to the pandemic.
54. As a result of this pandemic, the world as we know it has changed. The way we interact with each other, conduct our businesses and trade, travel, educate our children and earn our livelihoods will be different.
55. To ensure our economy adapts to this new reality, I am directing the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Communication and Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Transportation, Aviation, Interior, Health, Works and Housing, Labour and Employment and Education to jointly develop a comprehensive policy for a “Nigerian economy functioning with COVID-19”.
56. The Ministers will be supported by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and Economic Sustainability Committee in executing this mandate.
57. I am also directing the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Security Adviser, the Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council and the Chairman, Presidential Fertiliser Initiative to work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to ensure the impact of this pandemic on our 2020 farming season is minimized.
58. Finally, I want to thank the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for all their hard work so far. Indeed, the patriotism shown in your work is exemplary and highly commendable.
59. Fellow Nigerians, I have no doubt that by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic and emerge stronger in the end.
60. I thank you all for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
News
Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo Applauds APC Consensus, Declares Full Support for Dr. Jamilu Gwamna and Governor Yahaya’s Senatorial Bid
Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, National Deputy Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has congratulated Dr. Jamilu-Isiyaku Gwamna on his emergence as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Hon. Kumo described Dr. Gwamna as “a visionary leader, accomplished technocrat, and grassroots mobilizer whose credibility and capacity will strengthen the APC’s position in Gombe.” He noted that the consensus arrangement reflects the party’s commitment to unity and inclusiveness, adding that it is a step toward consolidating APC’s achievements in the state.
Hon. Kumo called on all aspirants who contested for the governorship ticket to rally behind Dr. Gwamna, stressing that collective effort is essential for the APC to secure victory. “Every aspirant remains a vital pillar of our party. By joining hands with Dr. Gwamna, we can ensure APC’s continued dominance and deliver progress for the people of Gombe,” he said.
He further commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his exemplary leadership, which has brought peace, infrastructural development, and political stability to Gombe State. Hon. Kumo emphasized that the governor’s guidance was instrumental in the smooth adoption of consensus candidates, describing him as “a leader whose vision has transformed Gombe and whose legacy will endure.”
Hon. Kumo also reaffirmed his support for Governor Yahaya’s senatorial aspiration, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience will bring quality representation to the National Assembly. He noted that Yahaya’s senatorial bid complements Dr. Gwamna’s governorship candidacy, creating a formidable team to advance APC’s mission in Gombe.
Concluding his remarks, Hon. Kumo urged party members, stakeholders, and the electorate to remain steadfast in their support for APC candidates, assuring that with unity and determination, the party will deliver victory and sustain progress in Gombe State.
News
Nassarawa 2027: Crisis Rocks APC as Lawyer petitions governor Sule anointed Aspirants over dual membership of SDP/APC.
A legal practitioner in Nasarawa State and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr Tari Trochon has submitted a Formal petition to the National Secretariat of the party demanding proper investigation into the alleged dual membership of Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada.
Senator Wadada has won elections into the Senate in 2023 on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and has emerged the preferred choice of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa State for the APC Governorship primaries scheduled for May 21st 2026.
According to the petition signed by Barr Trochon from Nakere ward of Wamba LGA, “we demand immediate investigation into Wadada membership and compel him to produce verifiable evidence of resignation from the SDP which should be verified from the national leadership of the SDP and not forged documents.
“His disqualification from the participation in the primaries if he fails to establish lawful and exclusive membership of the APC among other legal violations of the Constitutional provisions by Wadada participating in the process while holding dual membership of SDP and APC”
The legal Practitioner warned that allowing Wadada participate in the forth coming gubernatorial primaries would amount to institutional endorsement of illegality that will set the grounds for pre-election legal challenges that might lead to disqualification.
” The enormous credibility issues bothering on how his failure to inform the Senate of his alleged defection, nine months after, provides a fertile ground for litigations that may be costly to the APC in Nasarawa State if he is not stopped.
“We are aware that the SDP is set to take Senator Wadada to court over his defection to APC while still maintaining his membership with SDP simultaneously” he said.
The Petitioner added that in view of time constraint, he will be left with no other option than to proceed to court in order to save the APC in Nasarawa State from imminent problems that may cost us electoral misfortunes.
“There is prima facie infraction of section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, Conventions of the Senate and clear expressions of lack of credibility and character which must be looked into.
“He shouldn’t go into our Direct Primaries, and we’ll ensure the Courts stop him from further participation” he said.
He maintained that the Petition has since been submitted to the APC national Secretariat, signed received and acknowledged.
BY MOHAMMED MUSA
Residents and motorists in Nasarawa State are already feeling the relief that comes with good infrastructure, as the main construction of the Lafia bypass has been completed, slashing travel time through the state capital from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes.
The bypass, a critical section of the Keffi Road Phase II project, was constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company, CHEC, and its completion is quietly transforming local traffic conditions. Although the formal handover is still being prepared, many residents and drivers say the improvement in travel time and road environment is unmistakable.
For years, Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, has groaned under the weight of heavy transit traffic. As a major gateway linking Abuja to Makurdi and the eastern corridor, all long-haul vehicles had no choice but to crawl through the city centre. The result was predictable: congestion, wasted man-hours, higher fuel consumption, and increased safety risks for both residents and commuters.
However the story has changed.
Abdullahi Mohammed , a small shop owner in Lafia and a regular traveler on the route, captures the mood on the street. “It used to take about 45 minutes to pass through the city, especially when heavy trucks were on the road. Traffic jams and delays were common,” he said. “Now, with the completion of the Lafia bypass, it only takes about 15 minutes to get across. These past few days, the roads feel much smoother, and going out is more reassuring.”
The impact is even more direct for commercial drivers who earn their living on the road. A freight driver who spoke with our correspondent explained that the old route through the city was not just slow but costly. “Previously, vehicles had to pass through the city, which was time-consuming, increased fuel consumption, and posed safety risks,” he noted that, “now with the bypass, we save time and it’s safer. This is very important for those of us in transport because we save on fuel consumption and time spent on the road, which has greatly improved profitability.”
It is worthy of note that, Lafia has long endured heavy transit traffic pressure, with urban roads often congested during peak hours. The city’s status as an administrative and commercial hub means that local traffic already competes for limited road space. The hundreds of trailers and tankers heading to Benue, Cross River, and beyond, through Lafia put a lot of strain on Lafia’s inner roads.
With the completion of the bypass’s main works, transit vehicles will gradually be diverted, easing the burden on city traffic. The benefit goes beyond speed. Improved road conditions will also provide more efficient channels for agricultural product transport and daily goods circulation. Nasarawa is an agrarian state, and farmers along the corridor stand to gain from faster access to markets in Abuja and Makurdi. For residents, it means fresher produce, lower transport costs, and a tangible lift in quality of life.
The bypass is not just another road; it is a strategic intervention that had stalled for years before the current administration revived it. Delivering it required more than engineering skill, it demanded discipline, planning, and resilience.
Despite a complex security environment, the CHEC construction team advanced steadily by strengthening site management and optimizing construction organization. The company ensured the smooth completion of the section in record time, maintaining standards across earthworks, hydraulic structures, stone base, asphaltic concrete, and drainage.
The result is a road that meets specification and already delivers value before formal commissioning. Preparations for handover are now underway, and the bypass’s traffic relief function will gradually take effect. Industry observers note that CHEC’s ability to deliver under pressure reinforces its reputation for quality and timely delivery on federal road projects across Nigeria.
Engr Shuaibu Abdullahi the Principal Engr Federal Ministry of Works Lafia Field Headquarter, Nasarawa State couldn’t have put it better while commending CHEC and the impact of the bypass: “The Lafia bypass road project stands as a transformative and important road corridor for both the community along the road and commuters. By significantly reducing travel time between Lafia and Makurdi, easing traffic congestion within Lafia metropolis, and lowering vehicle maintenance costs, the project enhances mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life. Equally impactful is the lifesaving construction of drainage systems in Mararaba, a deliberate corporate social responsibility effort by the contractor aimed at mitigating the effects of perennial flooding, safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods. Together, these interventions not only improve access to markets for farm produce but also reinforce a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.”
In a similar vein, Abdullahi Shehu Kasimu the Village head of Mararaba Akunza gave commendation to CHEC for its Corporate Social Responsibility works to control flooding on the Mararaba axis of the road corridor: “On behalf of the Mararaba Akuza community, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to Messrs CHEC for coming to our aid through the expansion of drainage facilities in Mararaba Akuza. For many years, the community suffered persistent flooding that damaged homes and property, but this intervention has brought much-needed relief.
Today, residents are already experiencing the positive impact of the upgraded drainage system, which has significantly improved water discharge and offers lasting protection against future flooding.
We also extend our gratitude to His Excellency, Engr. A. A. Suleiman, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, for his prompt response to our concerns and support for this intervention”.
Expectation is high in Lafia. “If it can be fully opened soon, it will be good for all of us,” said Aliyu Subair, echoing a view expressed by several residents. For traders, students, civil servants, and transporters, the bypass represents time recovered and costs saved. For the state government, it frees up inner-city roads for local use and reduces maintenance pressure caused by heavy-duty vehicles.
As follow-up works continue, this vital regional corridor is steadily unlocking its value for people’s livelihoods and national development. The bypass does three things at once: it cuts travel time by 66 percent, improves road safety by separating through-traffic from city traffic, and creates an economic artery for Nasarawa and neighboring states.
The completion of the main works is proof that with political will, proper funding, and competent contractors, Nigeria can turn frustration into free flow. CHEC’s delivery of the Lafia bypass to good standard and in record time sets a benchmark for how critical road interventions should be executed.
For Abdullahi Sabo, the shop owner, the change is simple but profound: “Going out is more reassuring.” For Nigeria’s transport economy, it is another step toward an integrated, efficient road network.
The Lafia bypass may have been built quietly, but as an important local transportation milestone, the project has improved the regional road network, eliminated urban congestion, and enhanced traffic safety. Supported by complementary drainage works, it has addressed flooding issues affecting livelihoods, effectively driving commercial and agricultural upgrades along the route, revitalizing the regional economy, and becoming a benchmark project for high-quality infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria
Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has revealed that one of his daughters encouraged him to collaborate with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general election.
Uba Sani has dismissed reports of a major crisis within the Progressive Governors’ Forum, describing the recent disagreement among members as a minor misunderstanding.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned opposition parties against zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, arguing that such a decision could make it easier for President Bola Tinubu to secure re-election.
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