Corona Virus: What Ganduje Has Done Right -By Sani Muhammad Uzairu

Coronavirus or better known as COVID-19 has threatened the existence of humanity on the surface of the earth than never before. This disease has brought almost every human activity to a halt in the world; be it business and economics, Juma’at prayers and other religious activities, academic works just to name a few. However instead of everyone to rally round the governor of especially Kano State, one of the epicentres of covid- 19 in Nigeria, what you read in both the mainstream and social media, are contorted narratives. The type Donald Trump of the United States will easily label fake news.
And so,what has the Kano State Government done right?

1. Exhibited right tone at the top
Since Nigeria recorded its index case, the campaign to secure Kano State started with the right “tone at the top” with Governor Ganduje treating the pandemic with the level of seriousness it deserves and acting in a timely manner. It will be recalled that the Governor without further ado ordered the closure of Kano borders with other states. This is how an effective tone at the tope was displayed.

2. Creating the framework to facilitate reponse

In addition to the many governorship directives issued. The state task force (STF) the governor inaugurated granted frontline response teams the ability to identify, trace contacts, isolate and treat the infected. It imposed restrictions and also sought the Federal Government to allocate resources so the state government could manage the crisis effectively.

3. Activation of response mechanism

Weeks before the first case of Coronavirus was confirmed in Kano, isolation centres and treatment facilities were activated. Re-fresher training was offered to selected and volunteer medical professionals. Surveillance and preventive measures were implemented at the Aminu Kano International Airport, including a 14-day quarantine mandated for incoming travellers from Coronavirus hotspots. Flights were subsequently grounded, and land border entry points were closed.

4. Testing and Contact Tracing

All suspected cases were tested within the shortest possible duration. Unlike in other northern states, there was absolutely no waiting-time to get tested. Contacts were been traced and isolated timely, and in some cases tested at once. For example, many closed contacts with the first confirmed case were all tested within 24 to 72 hours.

5. Communication and community outreach

The periodic briefings by the STF, the state’s addresses by the governor coupled with media engagements have been on point. Outreach to community and religious leaders have resulted in closure of Churches and Mosques without the confrontations we saw elsewhere.

6. Listening to and acting on public feedback

The Government has been listening and using public feedback to help inform policy and interventions. In response to public outcry over hunger, the two weeks lockdown imposed by the Federal Government has been relaxed for people to re-stock. A listening government will do well in managing an emergency because the public will be prepared to cooperate.
And there is room for improvement

1. Logistics and equipment

The state does not have enough supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators should the pandemic spread and demand increases. The Government should move fast to acquire more. Ambulances should be serviced, and drivers enlisted. District treatment centers should be in readiness, so cases are not transported across district lines to isolation and treatment centers.

2. Develop and implement a social-safety stimulus package

The badly needed lockdowns and quarantines will end up turning into a nightmare for the vast majority if the people do not have access to food, water, electricity and other necessities. Kano State government should consider preparing an emergency stimulus package for the ordinary people, especially the poor and most vulnerable in the society. I read that during the Nigerian civil war, people were going in the streets in search of food and water when bullets were flying. If a flying bullet did not stop a hungry man, a “flying Coronavirus droplet” will not.

3. Enlisting the help of specialists and experts

In addition to medical experts, security personnel, and communication specialists, the response team must include people with diverse expertise in disaster management, logistics and risk management.

4. Reapportion funds and prepare a Coronavirus Emergency Response budget

The Fiscal 2020 budget that was approved by state assembly was based on assumptions that have fundamentally changed. Many of the estimated funding sources and related revenue projections will be no more, while others will fall short of budgets by significant amounts. Furthermore, resource allocations and expenditure priorities must change to reflect the realities brought by the crisis at hand. For example, funding previously allocated for certain capital projects, external travel, etc., can now be re-allocated to life-saving Coronavirus response. As donor countries continue to struggle to combat the virus themselves, the Government should not count on aid in the near future.

5. Accountability and transparency for Coronavirus funds and operation

Like Ebola funds, some greedy elements are going to look for opportunities to misappropriate funds and resources. A rigid internal control mechanism must be put in place to prevent and/or detect wrongdoing. The Kano State Anti-corruption Commission may be assigned to perform independent oversight of emergency resources. This will serve as a deterrence and the Government will not have to chase stolen monies later using an audit.

6. Exemption of farmers from the lockdown to boost local production

In addition to Coronavirus emergency response, the Government should embark on boosting local production, especially in the area of food. The risk of a global supply chain interruption is imminent amid lockdowns across the world. A state that relies heavily on local production to feed its people will be faced with a high risk of hunger if the outbreak lingers for a long period. Most of the food currently on the market has been in the state before the outbreak.

Sani Muhammad Uzairu is a public affairs analyst. He can reached via smuzairu@gmail.com