Covid-19: Nigeria, Zimbabwe Begins Coronavirus Lockdown

The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has ordered residents of Lagos, Ogun and Abuja to stay at home for 14 days from Monday.

Buhari Bans Movement in Lagos, Ogun, Abuja for 14 Days

The president gave this directive on Sunday in his first address to Nigerians on the coronavirus crisis.

“Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States,” the president said.

“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.

“The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.”

Zimbabwe Lockdown

The southern African country of Zimbabwe also began its 21-Day lockdown this Monday following a decree by President Emerson Mnangagwa to restrict citizen movement in attempts to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in the country.

Since its outbreak under two weeks, the country has recorded seven confirmed cases and one death.

Mnangagwa’s declaration has, however, been received with mixed feelings with some feeling the announcement was too abrupt and never gave them enough time to prepare while others felt it was the right move in the wake of a health disaster threatening to decimate the entire world population.

Some felt the drastic move will be the final nail in an economy that has struggled to stay upright even outside the current period.

Zimbabwe’s coronavirus rates, however, remain low compared to other countries although the citizens are edgy over possible new infections.

Uzonna Anele
Uzonna Anele
Anele is a web developer and a Pan-Africanist who believes bad leadership is the only thing keeping Africa from taking its rightful place in the modern world.

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