Public institutions in Nigeria are kickstarting a lockdown in the country, as the COVID-19 disease spreads. Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday, March 24 announced suspension of plenary for two weeks in reaction to current public health concerns. It plans to re-open plenary on April 7, few days to the Easter holiday. Apparently, suspension of plenary will continue well past the Easter break. The Federal Civil Service has also asked all civil servants below level 12 to stay off work for the next two weeks. The Lagos State Government has already announced the same measure. Speaking at a press conference, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha had alerted the nation that stiffer measures may need to be taken to curtail citizens’ movement around the country. It will be recalled that the Senate had earlier suspended the conduct of Public Hearings and excursions to the National Assembly with effect from Tuesday, March 24 in a bid to curtail the spread of Coronavirus. The gallery was also closed to the public.
The Courts in Nigeria at the Federal and State levels, have also issued directives restricting court attendance to necessary parties, their lawyers and witnesses. Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has advised personnel of the Force against unnecessary arrests and detention.