Nigeria to aid stranded citizens in the US | See top five updates on COVID-19 in Nigeria
Owing to the infinite number of information being released at every minute around the novel coronavirus in Nigeria, it is important to not only filter the information we consume so as not to be overwhelmed but to have a reliable space to begin to find the information we need.
Nigeria to aid stranded citizens in the US
Evacuation of Nigerians stranded in the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic is to begin on May 10, according to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York.
The consulate-general disclosed this in a notice signed by the Consul-General, Benaoyagha Okoyen, on behalf of the Nigerian Missions in the U.S., on Sunday.
According to the notice, no fewer than 700 Nigerians have registered with the missions in the U.S. for evacuation, which will be done in batches.
CBN says no bank will be laid off
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks not to lay off staff amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
The CBN spokesperson, Isaac Okoroafor, who signed the statement, said the order was given at the end of a special meeting of the Bankers’ Committee held on May 2 to further review the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian banking industry.
Divided notions on easing of the lockdown
Doctors and pharmacists are divided over the implications of easing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)-induced lockdown from today nationwide. While the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that the relaxation could prompt 100 per cent increase in casualties, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has stated that it is the best decision at the moment.
NMA president, Dr. Francis Adedayo Faduyile, said, according to The Guardian, “I have heard people talk about the economic implications of continuing the lockdown. Well, I am not an economist but a medical doctor. My advice and position are based on evidence. If the lockdown is eased, we may experience a 100 per cent spike in the number of cases as seen with our neighbours (in) Ghana. Ghana recorded over a 100 per cent increase in number of cases just about seven to ten days after easing a national lockdown.”
In his remarks, PSN president, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, in an interview said: “It is a delicate situation. I am a nation builder. I am a mature person that understands how the economy runs. We are caught between the rock and the hard place. If we continue with the lockdown, people are already complaining and threatening to cause havoc. The government does not have the capacity to continue providing palliatives and security under such situation.”
Road transport companies seek special stimulus
The Association of Private Transport Companies of Nigeria (APTCON) has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to consider a special stimulus plan for the nation’s transport sector.
Arguing that road transport companies had borne the greatest pain of the nationwide lockdown, spokesman of the association, Audu Gaddo said that its members had suffered huge revenue losses and faced imminent job cuts in the wake of a month-long lockdown of Nigeria’s transport.
PTF links mass deaths in Kano to COVID-19
The national coordinator of the presidential task force on COVID-19, Sani Gwarzo says the coronavirus is behind mass deaths in Kano.
The state has recorded an unusual increase in deaths since it recorded its first coronavirus case in April.
The governor, Abdullahi Ganduje had denied that the deaths were linked to COVID-19, saying investigation was ongoing.
