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 30: 25,133 cases, Ondo governor infected
Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, today confirmed that he had contracted COVID-19. According to a post on Twitter, he said he was asymptomatic and self isolating.
He now joins Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who also confirmed being infected early this month. Governors Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Senator Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyin Makinde of Oyo, have all recovered from the virus.
Over at the presidency, president Muhammadu Buhari led a virtual flagoff of a major gas pipeline. The Ajaokuta – Kaduna – Kano, AAK; gas pipeline project is led by the state oil firm, NNPC.
On the ground, Buhari was represented by the kogi State governor, Yahya Bello who cut the tape to mark the official flag-off of the construction phase of the project.
Confirmed cases = 25,133
Active cases = 15,158
Recoveries = 9,402
Number of deaths = 573
John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 29, 2020
Today I tested positive for #COVID19. All is well. I’m asymptomatic and have been self isolating. Work continues. Your continued prayers over my well being are most appreciated. pic.twitter.com/P5UH0SmBiw— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 30, 2020
June 29: 24,567 cases; Buhari receives Task Force
President Muhammadu Buhari today received a briefing from the Presidential Task Force, PTF, on COVID-19. The meeting comes as the second phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown ends.
The second phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown was for an initial period of four weeks – spanning June 2nd – 29th. It has been extended for another month spanning June 30 to July 27.
The chairman of the PTF said the taskforce remained: “committed to striking a delicate balance between lives and livelihood. Mr. President has carefully considered and approved that with the exception of some modifications, Phase 2 of the Eased Lockdown will be extended for another 4 weeks : 30 June – 27 July 2020.”
In the second phase, govern
