FG may stop interstate and inter-town travels

Latest reports suggest that interstate and intertown travels might be suspended in the country. This is coming on the heels of a statement from the Federal Government, who has hinted that they are considering stopping interstate and intertown travels as part of the measure to curtail the spread of coronavirus disease.

READ MORE: Nigeria closer to total lockdown, as FG orders sit at home to its workers

This is coming after the country recorded 5 new cases to bring the total number to 51.

This was announced by the Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, through a statement on Thursday in Abuja. The Minister admitted that the nation’s strategy at containing the pandemic is working, although the country still has a long way to go.

Mohammed pointed out that bold and more measures will be taken by the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria contains and eradicate this disease. He said this is not to create panic amongst Nigerians.

Part of Lai Mohammed’s statement goes:

“Gentlemen, I don’t intend to sound apocalyptic. But the truth is that time is running out. If we don’t urgently and more aggressively enforce the measures I have just listed, we have a short window within which to stop this pandemic or face an explosion in terms of the
cases. We cannot afford to be complacent.

“In view of this, we are considering tougher measures to enforce compliance, stop the exportation of the disease to states that do not have it and minimize spread. Possible measures include:

“Stopping inter-state/inter-town travels, except for essential services.

“Closing all motor parks and inter-state rail stations. Already, all
train movements nationwide have been stopped.

“Using fire fighting and other adaptable vehicles and personnel to fumigate
cities and towns”.

The minister who a couple of days ago, asked Nigerians to brace up for tougher measures in the efforts to curtail the spread of the covid-19, told newsmen that the government is aware of its priorities and challenges.

He was full of praises for state governments that have taken bold measures to ensure that people are safe, including the closure of markets and the prohibition of large congregations.

Mr Mohammed, however, noted that the Federal Government is determined to be more aggressive in enforcing the measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus.