Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, became the third African country to record over 10,000 cases of COVID-19. The milestone was reached on May 31 when 307 new cases took its tally to 10,162.
As Africa’s biggest economy, the federal government has continued to enforce regulations across the board even though most state governments have moved to relax restrictions.
Lagos being the economic nerve center is rolling out a progressive reopening of the economy. It is the most impacted state with over 5,000 cases as of May 31. Only Cross River State had yet to record a case.
The national response is led by the Presidential Task Force, PTF, led by SGF Boss Mustapha along with a national coordinator and relevant ministers – chief among them, Health, Foreign Affairs and Education ministries. At the heart of the response is the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC.
This article is dedicated to covering events from the country throughout the month of June. Our May 2020 daily updates page also gives you a rundown of major activities.
June 25: 22,020 cases, govt’s $6bn stimulus package
A a virtual federal executive committee meeting today, government announced a $6bn stimulus package to support businesses hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. A committee led by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo put forward the proposal.
Nigeria as Africa’s most populous nation and having the biggest economy is looking to salvage millions of people who could slide into extreme poverty arising from the impact of the pandemic.
Government has repeatedly stressed that it was going to do all it takes to save especially small businesses and as many jobs. President Buhari months back said the virus response was going to be centered on protecting lives and livelihoods.
Nigeria is under pressure to stimulate growth and cut debt amid a slump in global oil prices. As one of the continent’s largest oil producers, funds from the commodity which has been impacted by the virus is vital for government spending.
The vice-president said the plan was also to put money into the economy, and hopefully stop it from slipping into recession. Reports indicate the the funds are intended for businesses and households.
Confirmed cases = 22,020
Active cases = 13,865
Recoveries = 7,613
Number of deaths = 542
John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 24, 2020
June 24: 21,371 cases; Kaduna lawmakers ordered to test
All lawmakers in the north central Kaduna state house of assembly have been ordered to undergo COVID-19 test. The order also covers all other staff after a positive case was recorded among the assembly staff last week.
Speaker Yusuf Zailani, gave the directive which was confirmed by Ali Kalat, deputy chairman, house committee on health, on Tuesday.
Kalat, further confirmed that some lawmakers have already tested and are free from the virus. He did not give details as to how many of them.
“The speaker has given directives that the entire workforce of the assembly should be subjected to coronavirus tests and the exercise
