A Nigeria enforces measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari says strategies used globally, and implementation programmes have been tailored to reflect the country’s realities.
The President who was addressing the nation on Sunday in a television and radio broadcast recognises the importance of food and consumables, in times like these, especially for the less privileged and directed that residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods will surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures, must receive relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks.
He added that 2 months food rations be made available for the internally displaced persons in Nigeria.
For other most vulnerable persons in the society, he directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next 2 months be paid to them immediately.
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Although schools are closed, the President instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with State Governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain children with the school feeding programme during this period.
He also directed that a 3-month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FamerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.
Adding that all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export, Import Bank be given the same moratorium.
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Speaking on lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, President Buhari directed that development financial institutions should engage partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.
The President calls on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities, helping them with whatever they may need.
Buhari said these measures are to protect the lives of Nigerians and to preserve their livelihoods ensuring their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
