The Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on the Federal Government to shut down all non essential government activities immediately to curtail the increasing spread of COVID-19 across the country.
The union said this in a statement on Saturday by its President, Chris Isiguzo, and National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman.
The Union believes it has become a matter of topmost priority to do so to avert an impending catastrophe, more so with more cases springing up in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
It said only essential services like medical services, Police, armed forces, fire services, telecommunications, media, banks, selected markets and the power sector should be allowed to operate in the meantime.
It added: “We equally call on all Nigerians to adhere strictly to advice from medical institutions and government while state governments and the Federal Government should emulate the China, America and other European countries which are taking urgent remedial measures to ensure that the people do not suffer untold hardships.
“This is the time to work together for the collective survival of the country because no one is safe if only one person gets infected.”