This is what Nigeria’s coronavirus policy should look like

By Ayo Akinfe

(1) The federal government will build a 1,000-bed tropical diseases hospital in Lagos. It will also contain isolation units for anyone under quarantine

(2) A sum of $1m will be given to any research institute that has made a breakthrough in its search for finding a remedy or cure for the virus

(3) All gatherings of more than 50 people including religious services, sporting events, parties and political rallies will be suspended until May 1

(4) Every state government must build at least one isolation centre in its capital that can hold a minimum of 200 people

(5) These restrictions on the 13 most affected nations should remain in place until May 1 when they will be reviewed

(6) All Nigeria’s land borders will remain shut until at least May 1

(7) Everyone of our 774 local government areas must instal at least one testing machine within its territory

(8) All healthcare professionals will receive a special bonus equivalent to 50% of their monthly pay while all these restrictions are in place

(9) Any company that can manufacture face masks will be given a five year tax holiday and free land to open a factory

(10) A special medical team will be set up to share information with China and the World Health Organisation. As the world’s largest black nation, Nigeria insists she be at the forefront of any technological breakthroughs to combat the pandemic