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Nigerians not cooperating in fight against COVID-19 — Lai
The Federal Government on Thursday lamented the lack of cooperation from Nigerians in its efforts to effectively tackle the coronavirus scourge in the country.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who addressed journalists on government’s efforts to tackle the disease that had infected 51 Nigerians in Abuja, expressed disappointment that many people are busy with “meaningless” criticisms instead of complying with the stipulated directives to keep the citizens safe.
He said: “Some Nigerians who flew into the country from overseas filled wrong addresses and phone numbers in their forms, making it difficult to trace them when the need arises.
“Some Nigerians defied orders to stay away from large gatherings while some religious leaders willfully flouted the directives to ensure social distancing.
“The government is doing its best but we need the citizens to do their best too. We have now gone past the stage of persuasion. It’s time for strong enforcement.”
The minister said although current strategies at containing the pandemic are working, the federal government is working on stiffer measures to enforce measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus.
These measures, according to him, include social distancing, contact tracing, testing, isolation of suspected cases and ensuring that messaging gets down to the grassroots.
READ ALSO: Nigerian govt tracing 4,370 contacts of COVID-19 cases
Mohammed added: “We are considering tougher measures to enforce compliance, stop the exportation of the disease to states that do not have it and minimise spread. Possible measures include:
“Stopping inter-state/inter-town travels, except for essential services
“Closing of all motor parks and inter-state rail stations. Already, all train movements nationwide have been stopped, and
“Using fire fighting and other adaptable vehicles and personnel to fumigate cities and towns.”
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