Nigerian government approves N6.45bn to create Covid-19 oxygen plants

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the sum of N6.45 billion for the setting up of gas plants in 38 locations nationwide for the treatment of Covid-19 patients who need oxygen.

This was disclosed at the first National Economic Council, NEC, meeting of the year chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, with State Governors, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Central Bank Governor and other senior government officials in attendance.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed said the President approved the release of the funds for the production of oxygen, necessitated by the increased number of patients who need oxygen due to the surge in Covid-19 infections in the country.

Health Minister Dr. Osagie Ehanire informed the Council that sequel to President Buhari’s decision to activate the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund based on the National Health Act, N55.1billion was approved in 2018 and that 50% of the sum has since been released to the States and the FCT.

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He said the Federal Government has also allocated N35billion for the Fund in 2021.

Other updates at the NEC meeting include account balances as of January 20, 2020, given by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, including the Excess Crude Account (ECA), which stood at $72,411,197