The CLEEN Foundation has urged Nigerians to comply with all precautionary guidelines rolled out by the federal government’s Presidential Task Force (PTF) to halt community transmission of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

The foundation in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Benson Olugbuo, said a survey carried out by its observers found poor compliance to physical distancing and other guidelines, which has sparked an increase the number of cases recorded daily.

“In the South West region, the adherence to physical distancing in public places particularly in markets, banks, commercial vehicles remained very low across the six states.

“Our observers in the North Central reported low compliance by citizens across the States in the region,” the statement read.

On ban on public gatherings and citizens compliance, CLEEN said about 53% of its observers noted low and moderate compliance to government ban on public gathering. Places observed include worship centres, religious celebrations, weddings, funerals and market places.

The foundation reported poor enforcement of Government directives on citizens in different parts of the country including riverine communities across the South South region.

The foundation also stated that the there is still a lack of sufficient testing centers in most states across Nigeria as most citizens do not know their Covid19 status. CLEEN called for adequate provision of testing centers at every senatorial district in the states.

CLEEN decried the complicity of security operatives in non-compliance with inter-state movement restrictions as well as the extortion by security personnel on citizens for failing to use face masks.

CLEEN reiterated its call for effective oversight on Security personnel implementing the border control measures, and erring officers found guilty of extorting citizens and violating human rights be disciplined appropriately to serve as deterrent to other officers.

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