Nigeria lost more than 20 lives to COVID-19 as cases declined on Monday. 

Coronavirus infections declined again in Nigeria in two consecutive days with 676 new cases reported in 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory on Monday February 1,  according to Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

NCDC added that 1,286 people were discharged, while 21 person was confirmed to have died of COVID-19 complications.

The discharges today include 776 community recoveries in Lagos State and 96 community recoveries in Plateau State managed in line with guidelines, according to NCDC.

The Nigeria health Institute on Monday reported totals of 131,918 virus cases, 106,275 cases have been discharged and 1,607 deaths as a result of COVID-19 in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Data released by the health  agency via its verified website shows that Lagos topped the list with 227 infections, followed by Rivers with 73, Niger with 69 and Plateau with 56 cases.

Other states with new COVID-19 infections, FCT-50, Kano-44, Oyo-43, Ogun-27, Gombe-18, Ondo-15, Enugu-10, Osun-10, Cross River-8, Edo-8, Nasarawa-7, Bauchi-4, Kaduna-3, Ekiti-2 and Zamfara-2.

Meanwhile the Lagos House of Assembly on Monday called on the governor of the state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to commence very tough enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols among residents of the state.

The House said its decision follows the outright disregard for the protocols against the pandemic by some residents and visitors to the state.

The members of the House also asked the governor to call on the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, to embark on enlightenment campaigns and education of the people concerning the dangerous effects of the pandemic on the society.

Prior to the decision of the lawmakers, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, noted that the state, just like the country, cannot afford another lockdown because of the adverse effect such would have on the economy.

Obasa said there was a need for more enlightenment because COVID-19 in the state and country was taking a dreadful dimension.

He noted that the life of every single individual in Lagos remained precious and that as such, there must be conscious efforts to protect the residents.

Kicking off the debate, the acting chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Hakeem Sokunle (Oshodi/Isolo 1), had raised concerns over the new wave of COVID-19 in the state.

Sokunle told his colleagues that before now, only few patients needed oxygen. The situation, he said, has changed as over 80 percent of patients now needing oxygen.

He proposed that apart from enlightenment, there should be strict compliance to the COVID-19 protocols as well as the cancelling social engagements.

He also urged that wearing of face masks should be enforced.

Sokunle’s position was supported by Olowo and other lawmakers