President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime has mandated rapid COVID-19 tests for all visitors of the Aso Villa.

The new development followed a wave of COVID-19 infections in the country’s seat of power with several close aides of the president coming down with the virus, disclosed Garba Shehu, a presidential aide.

To curtail the spread, the regime mandated the rapid COVID-19 test, which can easily and speedily detect the virus.

“Yes, a new regime of COVID-19 regulation has been put in place for all visitors to the Villa, not for governors alone,” Mr Shehu told journalists in Abuja on Sunday. “Every visitor to the Villa, not just those seeing the president, is now required to do a rapid test at the gate.”

According to Mr Shehu, the rapid tests are free and a temporary precaution until the surge in infections reduces.

“The kits are freely issued, so no one is required to make payment. This is purely temporary in view of the recent spike in cases and will be removed any moment the situation abates. It’s a growing practice in government offices in many countries,” he added. “Although some exceptions have been made for a few leaders in government coming from outside the Villa, they too are encouraged to do those tests.”

Speaking further, he stated, “This policy has rightfully been justified following the discovery of COVID-19 positivity in some of those tested since the last few days of the practice.”

Mr Shehu himself recovered recently from the virus, while other infected staff of the Aso Villa are still on the road to recovery.