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Tag: COVID-19

  • Air Peace transports 274 Israelis from Nigeria

    Air Peace says 274 Israelis was evacuated from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA) to Tel-Aviv, Israel.

    Mr Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, made this known on Sunday in a statement in Lagos.

    Onyema said the flight, which transported 65 passengers from Lagos and proceeded to Abuja to transport another 209, was operated by Air Peace Boeing 777-300 with registration number 5N-BWI.

    He described the flight as historical, saying, “it is the first time Nigeria and Israel would have a direct flight”.

    Onyema expressed hope that subsequently the two countries would have scheduled direct flight between Lagos and Tel-Aviv.

    “It is a historic day for both Nigeria and Israel. History has been made today; 60 years of diplomatic relations, no direct flight has been conducted between Nigeria and Israel till today.

    “So, this is the first time Nigeria and Israel will have direct air connectivity.

    “So, it is a historic day, and it is going to portend greater things that will come, both countries have a lot to gain by having direct flights.

    “Nigeria is a land of huge potential, which Israel may be willing to tap into, while Nigeria will want to tap into science and technology, which Israel is known for.

    “I really want to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for making this possible.

    “Previous administrations were unable to pull this through, but this government did it. We have a compassionate government, that I can tell you,” he added.

    According to him, it is difficult to get flight permits, even during this critical period of emergencies from other countries, but Nigeria did not waste a second to approve this flight.

    “The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, approved the request the moment it was presented to him.

    “All the heads of aviation agencies gave their supports, which made the flight possible. So, it is the government that made the evacuation possible,” Onyema said.

    He said the Israel Government also gave its support and allowed for the first time a Nigerian airline to operate direct flight to Israel, noting that this was something good for both countries, good for our diplomatic relations.

    “So, I feel proud; I fell privileged to be part of this history, and I thank God Almighty for it. We have to build from here now going forward,” the Air Peace chairman said.

    He also said that the COVID-19 storm would be over someday.

    “When it is over, we look forward to do scheduled direct flight to Israel; at least twice a week to Tel-Aviv; this will help boost business relations between both countries.

    “So, there is a lot to be gained instead of people going through different countries before getting to Israel.

    “For Israelis to get to their country, they spent about 18 hours for just about five hours flight from Nigeria.

    “They were happy and clapping for the Nigerian Government and for the Israeli Government for making this happen today. So, I say kudos to the Buhari administration for making this come through,” Onyema said.

    Responding, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Shimon Ben-Shoshan, expressed happiness for the successful evacuation of his country’s citizens from Nigeria.

    Ben-Shoshan commended the chairman of Air Peace, for his invaluable contribution in making the air transport possible.

    “Thank you so much for this cooperation with us. We will work together.

    “During this operation, I will work with you hand by hand. I can say that you are the darling of the Nigerian people, but you are my hero. Thank you so much,” Ben-Shoshan.

    Also, an Israeli official, who superintended the process from Lagos, but wished not to be named, said it was because of the Coronavirus pandemic that Israel decided to evacuate its citizens.

    “This is to enable them to have access to better medical facilities and personnel in Israel than in Nigeria.

    “We are evacuating because of the Coronavirus and the situation in Nigeria, which could become serious.

    “You see what is happening all over the world. So for us to protect our citizens better, we take them home to get a better health service.

    “If something happens to you here you go to private hospital, not government hospital; but in Israel, we have government hospitals. By God’s grace we hope to have direct flight subsequently,” the official said.

    Commenting, the Air Peace Station Manager at MMIA, Mr Lenard Olisakwe, expressed happiness that Israel chose Nigerian airline to evacuate its citizens to Israel.

    Olisakwe said: “It is not easy to be patronised by Israelis who are highly security conscious, having to say, yes I am handing over the lives of my citizens to a particular airline is a big one.

    “I was excited too because for them to choose Air Peace they must have done a lot of homework because they are not frivolous people.

    “We are operating from both Abuja and Lagos. It is a transit flight. We will take them to Abuja International Airport where the other passengers will join and from Abuja to Tel-Aviv.

    “It is about five hours flight. We are using one of our B777-300 BWI. It is one of the best we have,” he said.

  • TNG COVID-19 Watch 10: Another Gov, 3 prominent Nigerians test positive

    TNG COVID-19 Watch 10: Another Gov, 3 prominent Nigerians test positive

    Good evening! Welcome to our daily session on TNG Covid-19 Watch where we update you on happenings around the world. Emman Ovuakporie, Regional Editor, TNG.

    Another Governor, Nasir el-Rufai barely one week after his Bauchi counterpart, Governor Bala Mohammed tested positive to covid-19 has become the second state chief executive to be infected in Nigeria.

    His aide revealed this via his Twitter handle late evening on Saturday. TNG crew wishes him a quick recovery.

    Other Nigerians who test positive in the last 24 hours include the NIS boss, Babatunde Babandede, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Prof. Ezekiel Olapade-Olaopa and Prof. Obafunke Denloye, have tested positive for Coronavirus.

    Global cases hit over 500,000

    With over 40 African countries currently battling with confirmed COVID-19 cases, South Africa tops the chart of the deadly virus within the continent as shown in data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

    Newsmen report that the John Hopkins University tally indicates that South Africa holds the top spot in African countries with 927 cases, surpassing Egypt which previously had the highest number of cases.

    As at the time of filing this report on Friday, Egypt has a total number of 495 in confirmed cases followed by 367 cases in Algeria.

    Also figures released by worldometers.info on fatalities indicate that Algeria currently has the highest number of deaths with 25 followed closely by Egypt with 24 deaths while South Africa has recorded zero deaths.

    The worldometers.info tally shows that Egypt has the highest number of recovered cases with 102, with Algeria and South Africa recording 29 and 12 recovered cases respectively.

    Other countries with over 100 confirmed cases as indicated by John Hopkins University and worldometers.info include Morocco with 275 infected persons, Tunisia 197, Burkina Faso 152, Ghana 132 and Senegal recording 105 in infected persons.

    Country with least number of confirmed cases within the continent is Libya with only one infected person, while Somalia and Guinea Bissau have two recorded cases each.

    UN begs rich countries to assist Africa

    United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres fears “millions and millions” of coronavirus cases in Africa, where the youth will not be spared.

    He wants wealthy countries to help the developing world, for their own sake.

    This is coming barely 48hours after the UN had cautioned Nigeria to do everything within her rich to curb the spread before it’s too late.

    Ekiti declares dusk to Dawn curfew

    The Governor of Ekiti state Dr Kayode Fayemi has declared a dusk to dawn curfew for fourteen days which implies a total shut down of the state

    Fayemi in a statewide broadcast titled “We Must Do More To Prevent An Outbreak In Ekiti State” explained that the shut down was imperative to keep Ekiti people safe noting that the state does not have the resources to fight the scourge and could not afford a public health crisis.

    He explained that the purpose of the curfew was to impose restrictions on the movement of persons and goods within Ekiti State for an initial period of fourteen days and to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in Ekiti State.

    States that have shut down in Nigeria in the last three days include: Rivers, Kogi, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo.

    Covid-19 is taking too much from us – WHO DG

    In a state-wide telecast, the Director General of World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus in an emotionally laced voice said the world is taking too much from us as nobody is spared.

    He said even his daughter has stopped going to school as she has to take her lessons online.

    ‘During this difficult times it’s important to look after your physical and mental health, play music and take a walk and maintain a distance from others” the WHO DG emphasised.

    Boris also warns Britons

    Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged Britons to stay home and outlined stricter measures yet to come in the fight against the coronavirus.

    “It’s important for me to level with you – we know things will get worse before they get better,” Johnson wrote in a letter issued by Downing Street.

  • COVID-19: Street shops not included in Lagos markets shutdown – Police clarify

    COVID-19: Street shops not included in Lagos markets shutdown – Police clarify

    Retail shops located on streets are free to open up for business as long as they respect the social distancing and crowd control directives, the Lagos State Police Command said on Sunday.

    The police gave this clarification following reports of partial compliance by petty traders whose businesses are not located in open markets.

    Spokesman Bala Elkana stated that such persons, even if they do not sell essential and life saving items, were excluded from the shutdown.

    Citing an example, Elkana said a hairdressing saloon located in a street was free to open as long as it does not accommodate more than 25 people at a go and also strictly prevented body contacts among people.

    Elkana also said policemen on duty have been charged to show compassion and sympathy while enforcing the orders because no one prepared for much situation.

    “Well, let me start by saying that this is not a conventional situation. The primary mandate of the police is to protect lives and properties and I am not sure we have found ourselves in this kind of situation where we need to enforce not the conventional law, but how to stop the spread of the virus.

    “So, this is a new one that requires new approach. It requires more of compassion, sympathy and you know something that is new also needs more time for people to get used to it.

    “So, that is why the commissioner of police is leading the enforcement. We go round together, meet people and also look at what the police are doing. We also gave out dedicated lines for people to call and register their complainants.

    “The complaints we have received so far have been minimal and they are addressed as they come in.

    “Since this situation also affected physical meetings between the Commissioner of Police and officers and men across the state, more of radio communication is being used and so, once a complaint is received, the CP addresses it through the radio.

    “The policemen have been given clearance that the shutdown basically affects markets and these are markets where they do not sell essential commodities.

    “This does not include isolated shops on the streets. Only markets because markets attract a large number of people.

    “Life must continue, we are not shutting down Lagos completely. The order did not shut down Lagos.

    “The order is saying that markets that attract crowd to them should remain closed because they have high risk of spreading the virus.

    “That is the clearance he (CP) gave yesterday very well to all the policemen and he made sure they all acknowledged and they understood it. He gave room for them to ask questions through the walkie-talkie on areas they needed clarification.

    “Even if the shops on the streets do not deal in essential commodities, they are free to open up.

    “The condition there is that crowd must not gather there. The shop owner must not have more than 25 persons at a time gathering there and if people are coming into the shop, he should make sure that they have space.

    “If you have a small shop, do not let it get congested, let some people wait outside while you attend to some. There has to be space so that there is no body contacts. All these are guidelines to help us stop the spread of this virus,” said Elkana.

  • COVID-19 in Nigeria: What to expect in next 30 days

    COVID-19 in Nigeria: What to expect in next 30 days

    After Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) broke out in Nigeria on Thursday 27th February 2020, beginning from Tuesday 17th March, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has continued to churn out figures of confirmed cases almost on a daily basis.

    The figures being churn out by the NCDC, while on one hand, give hope, have been judged understated due to testing capacity. On the other hand, when the trend of these figures are contrasted with the trend of the figures reported in countries such as the US, Italy, Spain, where the COVID-19 has worse hit, there are indications that Nigeria’s worst days are here.

    10 countries worse hit by COVID-19
    10 countries worse hit by COVID-19 (Source: worldometer)

    To understand what will happen with COVID-19 in Nigeria in the next 30 days, let’s first critically examine the timeline, what has happened with COVID-19 in the country in the past 30 days, how Nigeria moved from no case to 97 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

    Timeline of COVID-19 in Nigeria in past 30 days

    As of February 26th, no case of COVID-19 had been confirmed in Nigeria; however, awareness was on.

    On February 26th, 11 suspected cases of COVID-19 were tested and all turned negative.

    February 27

    On February 27th, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire announced the very first confirmed COVID-19 case, an Italian man in Lagos State.

    Following the outbreak of the disease in the country, the NCDC activated its National Emergency Operations Centre and began working with Lagos State Ministry of Health to manage the first index case and implement firm control measures.

    Nigerians were advised to keep calm, with the Minister of Health saying, the index case patient was “clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos”. Identifying and reaching out to possible contacts of the case was done.

    From February 28th to March 6th, there was quiet. However, on March 6th, 3 COVID-19 cases were suspected. However, all the three COVID-19 suspected cases, travellers from France, England and China, whose samples were collected for analysis, tested negative and they were discharged.

    By March 8th, 23 cases have been suspected in the country. Of the 23 suspected cases of COVID-19, 22 were NEGATIVE and only one was positive as at the 7th of March 2020.

    March 9

    The second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was confirmed on March 9.

    “The index case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was detected by an astute physician who was aware of our national case definition. The second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was detected due to the diligence of our work,” Director General of the NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu said on a ChannelsTV programme.

    March 13

    By March 13th, World Health Organization (WHO) had declared COVID-19 as a pandemic

    March 15

    The NCDC was aware of a patient in Enugu suspected to have COVID-19.

    The laboratory result of the patient, however, came out negative.

    March 17

    On this day, the Minister of Health announced the 3rd case of COVID-19 in Nigeria. The case was a Nigerian who returned to Lagos from the UK and developed symptoms during her 14-day self-isolation.

    March 18

    March 18th, the Federal Ministry of Health announced 5 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria bringing the total number confirmed cases in the country to 8. All 5 cases had a travel history to the UK and the USA.

    March 19

    March 19th, 4 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Nigeria; a total of 12 confirmed cases in Nigeria.

    March 21

    On March 21st, Nigeria recorded the first COVID-19 cases outside Lagos. On this day, the Federal Ministry of Health confirmed 10 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 10 new cases, 3 are in the Federal Capital Territory and 7 are in Lagos. 9 out of the 10 cases had travel history outside Nigeria. The 10th case is a close contact of a confirmed case.

    March 22

    Eight new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Nigeria on March 22.

    March 23

    On March 23rd, 10 COVID-19 cases were confirmed, with Edo State recording its first case.

    Same March 23rd, Nigeria recorded its first COVID-19 death. The case was a 67-year-old male who returned home following medical treatment in UK. The case was later confirmed to be Suleiman Achimugu. He had underlying medical conditions: multiple myeloma and diabetes, and was undergoing chemotherapy.

    March 24

    Four new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on this day, with Ogun State recording its first case.

    March 25

    Seven new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on March 25th, with Osun and Rivers States recording one case each.

    March 26

    Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, with Bauchi State recording its first case.

    March 27

    Sixteen new cases of COVID-19 were reported, with Oyo recording its first cases, two cases, and Enugu also recording its first cases, two cases.

    March 28

    Another sixteen new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on March 28, with Benue and Kaduna recording first case, one each.

    What the COVID-19 numbers mean for Nigeria in next 30 days

    From the 30 day timeline of COVID-19 in Nigeria, a trend could be observed with the curve.

    After the first case was confirmed in the country on February 27th, from February 28th to March, the curve remained flat at zero, until a case was confirmed on March 9th and the curve inclined upward.

    From March 10th to March 16th, the curve once again maintained flat at zero. However, beginning from March 17th, a continuous upward trend started until March 27th that the curve remained flat at 16 COVID-19 cases.

    If the curve remains flat, that is Nigeria averages on 16 new COVID-19 cases on a daily basis, in the next 30 days, COVID-19 cases might be less than 1,000 at the end of April.

    However, if the curve continues upward inclination in the next 30 days, especially as NCDC testing capacity improves, the situation would be worse, that is. COVID-19 deaths could hitherto spike.

    Meanwhile, it is expected that with the job NCDC is doing, and efforts government is putting in, the curve may go flat or starts downward inclination, even as asymptomatic case heal themselves. Then, declining COVID-19 cases should be expected.

    The COVID-19 curve is determined by the number of confirmed cases. All countries target is to maintain COVID-19 flat at zero. To down the curve to zero, it will take efforts of both the government and citizens.

    What Nigerians should do to improve on the curve

    COVID-19 spread is determined by human activities. Symptoms range from dry cough, sneezing to fever, and adversely, death. There is no known cure, nor is there any vaccine for COVID-19 yet. Treatment options are still undergoing clinical trials. If you must stay alive, prevention is better than cure.

    It has been said that the Coronavirus doesn’t move. It moves when humans move. This also means that when humans don’t move, the virus can’t move, and it will die. Therefore, Nigerians should obey stay home orders and observe social distancing when going out for supplies.

    It has also been said that the virus lives on some surfaces for as long as 72 hours. Therefore, to shorten the lifespan of the virus, Nigerians have to stick to the advice of frequent hand washing, and cleaning of surfaces with alcohol-based sanitizers and the use of hand sanitizers.

    If symptoms such as dry cough, sneezing, fever are observed, seek medical attention, immediately, especially if you just returned from a trip abroad, especially high risk countries.

    What government should do to down the curve

    The federal government and government at State levels, in one way or the other, have put a handful of measures in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Some of the measures are restriction of movement, stay home orders, shutting down of all borders, ban on all international flights and ban on gatherings of more than 20 people.

    Meanwhile, with all the measures in place to curtail the pandemic, government at all levels must understand that, if total lockdown orders are enforced, the social life of the people will be altered, with grave implications. Reeling out orders alone, and forcefully enforcing the orders, at these times, given this situation, therefore, will not hold waters.

    It, therefore, bolds on the government to consider social intervention options to make staying at home comfortable for citizens. This will cushion the effects, most times adverse, that come with staying at home. Even, such social intervention will help Nigerians obey stay home orders naturally. Already, the Lagos State Government is working in this direction. Other States Governments should take a cue.

    ALSO READ || COVID-19: How to keep Nigerians happy as government enforces stay home order

    As Nigerians and the government play their roles, well enough, in the face of this COVID-19 pandemic, hopefully in the next 30 days, things will be fine.

  • Panic in Delta over suspected COVID-19 case [VIDEO]

    Panic in Delta over suspected COVID-19 case [VIDEO]

    There was panic in Delta State after a medical personnel reportedly from Central Hospital Warri was captured in a video picking an alleged Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient.

    The video has since gone viral; however, neither the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) nor the Delta State Government has confirmed the development.

    In the video that went viral, the recorder could be heard saying that the medical personnel picked up the suspected COVID-19 case at Victory Avenue, along Refinery Road in Uvwie Local Government Area of the State.

    Earlier, also in the LGA, tension was reported at the Ekpan General Hospital. A suspected COVID-19 patient was allegedly brought to the hospital, and reportedly subsequently referred to Oghara teaching hospital.

    While no case of COVID-19 has been officially confirmed in Delta, the State Government has emplaced measures to contain the pandemic in the event of an outbreak.

    Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of the Central Hospital, Warri, Dr. Paul Okubor has addressed the development.

    Reacting to the video, Dr. Okubor, told Vanguard on telephone that the ambulance went to the street to pick a sick patient who was reported to have been coughing.

    He, however, said it was too early to say that the patient has contracted Coronavirus, adding that the Coronavirus surveillance team were just been proactive so that the virus will not spread to others.

    “Yes, we picked somebody up from that axis in Warri. That ambulance is from the Central Hospital Warri. But it’s not right to say the person had coronavirus yet. She is coughing and she has some symptoms and just to stay on the safe side we decided to pick her so that they can do the test for her.

    “So it is only when the test is out that anybody can say what she has. Or it might just be normal respiratory tract infection or anything. We are just trying to be very cautious so that in case it is, it doesn’t spread,” he said.

  • We have 60-days fuel sufficiency – NNPC

    We have 60-days fuel sufficiency – NNPC

    Nigerian National petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has urged Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as the country has adequate stock of the products to last for over 60-days.

    Mr Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the corporation, gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    Kyari assured that the NNPC had the support of all stakeholders to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products in the country.

    He said: “There is absolutely no scarcity anywhere; our supply is robust, we have fuel that will last this country even for 60-days if assuming we do not import any.

    “Of course people because of the pandemic, stay at home, may try to conserve fuel, there is no need to do this.

    “Maintain your normal life, we have secured all assurances that trucks will be moving freely across the country throughout this period of difficulty and supply will be sustained’’.

    He appealed to Nigerians no to flood fuel stations as there was no need for that.

    Commenting on National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) order to petrol tankers drivers to vacate the depots, Kyari said that the corporation would continue to engage them.

    “No restrictions; as we speak now loading is going on, trucks are moving around, no action like that will come to fruition,’’ he added.

  • COVID-19: Police alert Nigerians to emerging crime trends, reel out security tips

    COVID-19: Police alert Nigerians to emerging crime trends, reel out security tips

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M. A. Adamu has enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary actions against criminal elements who might explore the emergency situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic to increase and diversify their criminal activities.

    The IGP’s advice was informed by intelligence at the disposal of the Force, which suggests that fraud and cybercrime are expected to rise at this time owing to the lock-down emplaced by Government at all levels to contain the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

    According to police, specifically, intelligence obtained from the INTERPOL Headquarters shows that scammers in Nigeria and other parts of the globe have begun to create and set up fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, fake social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver (covid-19) medical products.

    In some cases, they use the names of prominent companies involved in the production and distribution of these items. Victims are then asked to pay via bank transfer.

    The IGP therefore enjoins the public to strictly adhere to the following security tips:

    i. Avoid opening suspicious emails and clicking on links in unrecognized emails and attachments;

    ii. Ensure proper back-up of online and offline files regularly and securely;

    iii. Use strong passwords for securing your emails and social media handles;

    iv. Keep your software updated, including antivirus software;

    v. Manage your social media settings and review your privacy and security settings;

    vi. You are advised to be wary of scammers who use names of prominent companies to create fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver medical products;

    vii. You are advised to ignore and report calls purportedly emanating from a caller who pretends to be a relative currently being treated at hospital asking you to pay for the cost of the medical treatment by transferring money or by paying cash to fake public health representatives;

    viii. Do not open letters or emails related to the pandemic from unknown persons who claim to be health authorities. Often times criminals access sensitive information,steal personal information and steal funds of victims by tricking them into connecting to a specific webpage and logging-in with their credentials;

    ix. Be mindful of fake news, deliberate misinformation/disinformation and avoid circulating untrusted and unverified messages on your social media handles;

    x. Educate your family, especially your children, about how to stay safe online and offline;

    xi. If you become a victim, ensure prompt report to the police.

    Against the foregoing, the IGP has placed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja – Nigeria on red alert. The NCB which houses the cybercrime unit of the Force shall in the coming days and beyond work closely with other Interpol member states across the globe particularly to carry out intense monitoring of the internet highway in the most legitimate and ethical manner. This is to engender concerted efforts in cracking down on any individual or all forms of organized criminal gangs that may want to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to perpetrate crimes.

    The Force also enjoins commercial bank operators to strengthen their online banking security systems and report promptly any suspected case of fraud and other cybercrime related activities in their banks.

    While reaffirming the determination of the Nigeria Police Force in providing support services to relevant agencies saddled with the task of curtailing and containing the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGP assures the public that the Force is unrelenting in clamping down on criminals who may want to take advantage of the situation to perpetrate criminal acts.

  • SERAP seeks weekly publication of spending details on COVID-19

    SERAP seeks weekly publication of spending details on COVID-19

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Federal Government to “publish weekly details of exact funds and other resources allocated by the authorities and received from the private sector, as well as details of use and planned use of any such funds and resources to combat the spread of coronavirus (or COVID-19) in Nigeria.”

    SERAP is also asking the Federal Government to: “disclose information on the exact number of tests that have been carried out for high-ranking public officials and politicians, the number of any such high-ranking public officials and politicians now in self-isolation or quarantine, as well as the exact number of tests that have been carried out for the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people.”

    In two Freedom of Information requests sent to Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health and Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), SERAP said: “We are concerned about the lack of transparency in the use of the funds and resources being mobilised to combat coronavirus, amid problems accessing the NCDC’s website, and reports that authorities are prioritising home testing of politicians, with some reportedly taking multiple tests.”

    According to SERAP: “politicians engaging in multiple tests for coronavirus have in turn slowed the number of tests for the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people.”

    In the FoI requests dated 27 March, 2020 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “We are concerned that lack of transparency in the use of the funds and resources to combat COVID-19 would lead to diversion or mismanagement of resources, unnecessarily cost lives, and result in serious damage to public health in the country.”

    SERAP said: “We urge you to disclose the level of enforcement for home quarantine system for high-ranking public officials, politicians and the wealthy, and whether the Ministry of Health and NCDC are carrying out spot checks to ensure strict compliance by these people.”

    The FoI requests read, in part: “Transparency and openness in the use of funds and operations of the Ministry of Health and NCDC would help to reduce the risk of corruption or opportunism, build trust and engage Nigerians in the fight against coronavirus as well as safe lives. Transparency and accountability are important to implementing an effective response to COVID-19 and slowing the spread of the virus in the country.”

    “Given the importance of good hygiene like handwashing to any response to COVID-19, SERAP would like you to disclose details of measures being put in place by the Ministry of Health, the NCDC and any collaborative work with the Ministry of Water Resources to provide vulnerable Nigerians with safe water, sanitation, and hygienic conditions.”

    “We are concerned that millions of Nigerians lack access to an improved water source and to proper sanitation, thereby making them vulnerable to COVID-19 and other illnesses.”

    “Handwashing and social distancing will be very difficult to implement for the poorest and most vulnerable people in a country where water shortages are routine and millions continue to drink contaminated water.”

    “Limited availability of water in several public hospitals across the country will also make it difficult for medical workers and health professionals to wash their hands and will therefore make it difficult for them to properly respond to COVID-19 and safe lives.”

    “We would be grateful if the requested information is provided to us within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions under the Freedom of Information Act to compel you to comply with our request.”

    “Any failure or refusal to provide the information requested will also be clearly inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act.”

    “According to our information, the Nigerian government has approved a N10 billion (Naira) grant (about $27 million) to fight the spread of coronavirus in the country. The government has also reportedly released N5 billion (Naira) (about $13 million) special intervention fund to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).”

    “Also, banks, wealthy members of the private sector and foundations have also donated billions of Naira to help fund medical centers and provide essential materials necessary to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the country.”

    “By Section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act 2011, SERAP is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information, including information on the exact amount of funds and resources meant to combat the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria.”

    “By Sections 2(3)(d)(V) & (4) of the FoI Act, there is a binding legal duty to ensure that documents containing information relating to the spending and operations to combat the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria are widely disseminated and made readily available to members of the public through various means.”

    “The information sought, apart from not being exempted from disclosure under the FoI Act, bothers on an issue of national interest, public concern, public health, interest of human rights, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability.”

    SERAP therefore urged the Minister and NCDC director to:

    urgently disclose details of exact funds and resources from federal government, state governments and the private sector, as well as details of use and planned use of any such funds and resources to combat the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria
    disclose information on the exact number of tests that have been carried out for high-ranking public officials and politicians, the number of any such high-ranking public officials and politicians now in self-isolation or quarantine, as well as the exact number of tests that have been carried out for the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people
    make Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC)’s website functional and accessible and publish on your website and widely weekly spending on initiatives such procurement, testing, early detection and isolation of confirmed cases, follow-up
    Disclose processes and procedures put in place to ensure that the funds and resources allocated to combat COVID-19 are not diverted, stolen or mismanaged
    Disclose measures to protect health workers and to encourage the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people to come forward for testing and to escalate testing for this group.

  • Kebbi commissioners contribute 50% salaries to contain COVID-19 pandemic

    Kebbi State commissioners have unanimously resolved to contribute half of their monthly salaries to the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Mahmud Warra, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi.

    Warra said the gesture was an unalloyed commitment towards ensuring successful onslaught against the ravaging global pandemic.

    He said: “Commissioners who are members of the Kebbi State Executive Council (SEC) have each donated 50 per cent of their monthly salaries to assist in the fight against the dreaded virus.

    “This is part of our collective resolve as always, to support the laudable and people-oriented initiatives of Gov. Abubakar Bagudu in his quest to further move Kebbi State forward”.

    Warra said in view of the prevailing campaign against the spread of COVID-19, the commissioners and members of the SEC would solidly stand behind Gov. Bagudu to attain safety and protection of the citizenry.

    “This is also to boost the myriad of measures that have so far been employed by the state government to protect the good people of Kebbi State from the Coronavirus pandemic.

    “May the Almighty Allah continue to assist the governor and the entire people of the state so that Kebbi will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he added.

  • JUST IN: Pastor Adeboye reveals those who will die from COVID-19 in Nigeria

    General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has revealed those who will die from the deadly Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Pastor Adeboye, fondly referred to as Daddy GO, made the revelation on Sunday in his sermon titled ‘peace be still’, when he said “only those whose appointed time has come will die” from the virus in the country.

    “When I spoke to my daddy about my pains on those who are dying of the virus around the world, He assured me that; only those whose appointed time has come will die, so when your appointed time has not come, relax and enjoy your holiday.

    “God knows those who are His; so when He says the plague will not come upon His children, that does not include everyone. God will separate pretenders from those who are serving Him genuinely.

    “I told you earlier that the whole world will be on compulsory holiday so that they will know that God is still in charge,” Pastor Adeboye said.

    Recall that since COVID-19 broke out in Nigeria, only one death as a result of the virus has been recorded. The death recorded was Suleiman Achimugu, the former Managing Director of the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company.