Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and state governments on enforcimg the use of face masks in public places across the country.
This was disclosed Thursday by the Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, at the daily briefing of PTF in Abuja.
In his review of the activities PTF, Mustapha, said the president ordered that the current phase of the National Response to COVID-19 should be maintained for another four weeks, but allowing some modifications.
Mustapha stated that: “President Buhari also asked the PTF to partner with states and local governments to improve community sensitisation and engagement to step up response to the COVID-19 response.
“He also encouraged state governments to collaborate with local government authorities to intensify necessary measures such as contact tracing, grassroots mobilisation and risk communication.
“He also ordered that collaboration with other mandate groups at federal/state levels to harmonise the country’s COVID-19 response be strengthened on the short, medium and long-term basis,” he said.
Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), warned against stigmatisation and skepticism among Nigerians in the fight against COVID-19.
“I wish to remind all Nigerians that this fight is for every one; everyone must take responsibility.
“Disbelief and skepticism will further complicate our situation; we should not stigmatise anyone infected. Our communities should own the response and educate our citizens,” he said.
