Nigeria has received €50m from the European Union (EU) to boost its ongoing fight against Coronavirus in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari hosted the EU team at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja on Tuesday.
Making the announcement this afternoon on Twitter, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Head of the EU delegation at the event, Amb Ketil Karlsen, was impressed with efforts by the Federal Government so far in tackling the pandemic.
His tweet reads;
EU gives Nigeria a grant of 50 million Euro to fight Covid-19. Head of EU delegation, Amb Ketil Karlsen, at the event commended President Buhari for “your powerful address to the nation last night,” and for “the bold and necessary measures you’ve taken.”
— Femi Adesina (@FemAdesina) April 14, 2020
According to the spokesman, Ketil Karlsen, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his address to the nation, describing it as “powerful”.
President Buhari had on Monday night addressed the nation regarding efforts in the fight against Coronavirus in the country since its index case was reported.
Confirming the news of the donation, Bashir Ahmad, Personal Assistant on New Media to President Buhari, said;
The European Union has donated a grant of €50m to the Federal Government, their contribution to Nigeria’s fight against #COVID19.
Head of EU delegation, Amb. Ketil Karlsen, announced the donation at a meeting with President @MBuhari today in Abuja.
JUST IN: The European Union (EU) has donated a grant of €50 million to the Federal Government, their contribution to Nigeria’s fight against #COVID19, the Head of EU delegation, Amb. Ketil Karlsen announces the donation at a meeting with President @MBuhari today in Abuja.
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 14, 2020
The President, during his address on Monday, extended the lockdown on Lagos, Ogun and FCT by 14 days.
This is an extension of the initial 14-days lockdown ordered by the President on March 29, which elapsed on Monday.
Buhari said he decided to extend the lockdown to ensure that the disease which is now being transmitted within communities is checked.
As at press time, Nigeria has recorded 343 cases of COVID-19, with Lagos having 189 cases – the highest toll in the country which is 55% of the total figure.
91 patients have also been discharged and 10 lives have been lost to the deadly virus.
