"I have decided to implement gradual deconfinement measures," said President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, April 27, in a much-anticipated television address. These measures will be implemented as of May 4.

The most populous country in Africa remains cautious, however. "We will put in place a curfew between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.," said President Buhari. "The interstate borders will remain closed, except for basic necessities (...). We will impose the wearing of masks in public places, as well as measures of social distancing," added the head of the State.

These new measures will not apply to Kano state, which has recorded a large number of "mysterious deaths" in recent days, which are still being autopsied, according to local authorities. 

Social tensions

Containment measures, imposed by the federal government in three states (Lagos, Abuja and Ogun) and enforced in several other states by governors, have resulted in severe social tensions in Nigeria, where the majority of the population depends on the economy informal for its survival. 

Nigeria recorded nearly 1,300 officially declared cases of coronavirus infection on Monday, and 40 deaths but many voices are raised to denounce the insignificant number of tests carried out in this country of 200 million inhabitants.

With AFP

The France 24 week summary invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app

google-play-badge_FR