Federal Government is poised to spend N8.49 billion on COVID-19 testing.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the money at Wednesday’s meeting for the purchase of 12 assorted items by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire, fund will help the country address community transmission of the pandemic, which has affected 586 Local Government Areas.
“The Ministry of Health presented a memo on behalf of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to procure materials for preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic, which is ravaging every part of the world including our country.
“This is part of the preparedness for community transmission which is going on now and has affected over 586 Local Government Areas and we need the materials so as to be able to expand our testing and diagnostic capabilities.
“This memo is as a result of the Presidential task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and the Special Intervention Funds managed by the PTF, which allocated these resources for the NCDC preparedness,” he said.
The Health Minister said the materials to be procured include sample and other kits for diagnostics, for use by laboratories.
