Nigerian government reopens NYSC orientation camps

The Federal government of Nigeria has approved the reopening of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps throughout the country.

NYSC orientation camps were earlier shutdown in March due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Giving details on the development at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, urged the NYSC authorities to consolidate on the safety protocols, and reopen orientation camps when the tertiary institutions open.

Dr. Aliyu said strict guidelines would be made available to avoid the outbreak in the camps.

The Coordinator added that the PTF was working out modalities to allow private sector decide on the number of staff that will work.

Speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the tenure of the COVID-19 Taskforce from 17th September to December, 2020 to enable government sustain the robust multi-sectoral response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The PTF today submitted its 7th Interim Report to Mr President for his consideration and approval.

“The main thrust of the recommendation is that Nigeria advances to the third phase of eased restrictions with further amendments, to address economic, socio-political and health concerns.

“Accordingly, Mr President has considered and approved the following: Transition into the Third Phase of the National Response to COVID-19 for a period of four weeks with effect from 12.01 am on Friday 4th September 2020 in line with amendments to address economic, socio-political and health considerations reflected in the implementation guidelines.

“The objective is to: Sustain a robust multi-sectoral national response; Ensure that we successfully navigate the community spread stage of the pandemic; strengthen our health system and other socio-economic infrastructures to enable them to meet our national aspirations.