The dip in Nigeria’s foreign reserves and the Chinese government’s commitment to equal treatment of nationals are some of the trending stories in the Nigerian press on Monday.
The Nation reported that Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have depleted to $34.58 billion, a 10.25 percent decline year-to-date. The reserves stood at $38.53 billion on January 2 and have been drawn down by $3.95 billion in the last three months.
This Day reported that the Chinese government has explained that it attached great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China, especially in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
The government said all foreigners were treated equally, adding that it has zero-tolerance for discrimination.
The Daily Trust said many of the 36 state governments are planning to reduce their 2020 budgets, while others have suspended on-going capital projects as part of measures to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Punch said that 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja have recorded cases of coronavirus disease in Nigeria. Of the 36 states in Nigeria, the virus has not been recorded in 17 states.
Channels Television reported that former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has called for a strong collaboration between the federal and state governments to fight coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.
The Leadership reported that apparently wary of the negative effect the lingering lockdown imposed to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the country would have on Nigerians, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and state governors have implored the citizens to consider the restriction order as a sacrifice to defeat the global pandemic the same way Jesus gave his life to save the world.
The Sun quoted Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Hakeem Odumosu, warned armed robbers and cultists to leave the state or face the consequences of crime.
The Guardian reported that the World Health Organisation at the weekend warned against easing restrictions on social distancing too early.
MM/GIK/APA