Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Wednesday, confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Health has received a number of claims on indigenous researches which could help the country fight coronavirus effectively.

To this end, the government has commenced the process of scientific validation of those researches, with a view to exploiting them in the treatment of COVID-19.

Mustapha who confirmed the latest development at the daily briefing session of the PTF in Abuja, said with the situation on ground, government was now open to all options for the good of humanity.

His words, “​I need to, at this point, mention the role of Research in this exercise. We must encourage our local scientists and deepen our capacity for research.”

“There is a huge role for all relevant Research Institutes to play at this time. The Federal Ministry of Health is coordinating the process in conjunction with the National Institute for Medical Research and the Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

“We have received information on domestic and international claims about emerging inventions on COVID-19. These are most welcome but scientific validation process and protocols will have to be followed. We are open to all options for the good of humanity.”

The new approach being mulled by government is sequel to claims by some medical experts in Nigeria, claiming to have found scientifically proven cures for the virus, but were being ignored by the government in preference for foreign solutions.

One of such claims came recently from Dr. Ben Amodu, a lead researcher in phyto medicine.

Beyond being a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and Alternative Medicine Practitioner Council, Amodu claims his herbal therapy which has successfully cured throat cancer could also provide potent cure for COVID-19, currently ravaging the world, including other emerging communicable diseases like Hantan and Toyota viruses.

Meanwhile, in view of plans to gradually ease the lockdown imposed in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory, which will come into effect on May 4, 2020, the PTF has developed sector specific guidelines to ensure a seamless process.

Boss explained that the gradual reopening of the economy will span a total of 6-weeks broken into 3 tranches of 2 weeks each.

According to the PTF chairman, the phased strategy has been designed to reduce the pains of socio-economic disruptions while strengthening our public health response, which would ultimately reduce the recovery of our economy and provide succour to the poor and vulnerable.

He said coordination would be streamlined with Sub-National levels of Government, which will in turn provide leadership in engaging relevant associations responsible for various sectors e.g. market associations and transport unions for orderly and effective implementation.

He also warned that security agencies must strictly enforce these new measures that have been put in place.

“Following the pronouncement of the President, it has become necessary to provide initial clarifications for Nigerians on some of the new measures such as the overnight curfew, inter-state travels and related matters. Specific details will be provided shortly by the National Coordinator.”

He said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the following clarifications, are provided:

The overnight curfew is applicable nationwide from 8.00pm to 06.00am daily, effective Monday, 4th of May, 2020; Inter-State travels are banned except for the movement of goods, agro-products, petroleum products, essential services, etc, as directed by Mr. President.