The Federal Government has promised that it would support state governments in fight against coronavirus.
President Muhammadu Buhari in a nationwide broadcast on Monday said that the federal government would do whatever it takes to support state governments in fight against the coronavirus.
The president said in the nationwide broadcast: “The response of our state governors has been particularly impressive especially in aligning their policies and actions to those of the federal government.
“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 difficult period. I have no doubt that by working together and carefully following the rules we shall get over this pandemic.”
The president said health workers were doing incredible job in fight against the coronavirus, describing them as heroes.
The president said: “At this point, I must recognize 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.
“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 healthcare workers are being introduced which we will announce in the coming weeks”.
President Buhari said there had been massive support from across the country in the pandemic and commended Christian Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, traditional rulers and celebrities for their support.
He also thanked the media for their support.
The president said: “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. I also acknowledge the support and contributions received from public spirited individuals, the business community and our international partners and friends.
“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. As a result of the overwhelming support and cooperation received, we were able to achieve a lot during these 14 days of initial lockdown”.
The president said the lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory would be extended for another fourteen days starting on Monday 13 April.
He thanked Nigerians for sacrifice they were making in complying with guidelines against the coronavirus.
The president said the country had 323 confirmed cases in 20 states on Monday with ten deaths with Lagos as the epicentre with fifty four per cent of cases.
The president said palliative measures would be sustained to ease the pain on Nigerians in this difficult time.
He said he had directed 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 develop a comprehensive policy for “Nigerian economy functioning with Covid-19”.
