By DAVID IORJA, Abuja –
The Presidency has condemned reports that large number of food trucks are being delayed at various checkpoints around the country or prevented from crossing state borders, as a result of the various curfews and lockdowns in different states.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was essential to draw attention to this situation in the light of the presidential directive, during the nationwide broadcast last night.
“The restrictions of movement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic do not apply to vehicles transporting essential commodities, such as food,” the statement categorically said.
It noted that the country could not afford a situation where agricultural products were being left to rot in trucks held at various checkpoints, when millions of Nigerians across the country need food.
“COVID-19 or no COVID-19, Nigerians need to eat,” the Presidency emphasized.
Read the rest of the statement:
“Other essential items that can be transported despite the ban on movement as prescribed by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) include: pharmaceutical and sanitary supplies, personal care items, agro chemicals and agricultural machinery, electrical products and electronics, oil and gas, courier services, health supplies and protective garments.
“Vehicles transporting essential items must not convey any commercial passengers. In addition, the occupants must not exceed three, i.e. the driver, spare driver, and conductor.
“The drivers must have basic protective and sanitary items, including: face masks, hand sanitisers, and tissue paper to and from their destinations. Once these conditions are satisfied, they must be allowed to travel freely to and from any part of Nigeria.”