• Receives 2nd tranche of PPEs, medical supplies and equipment from UN and EU

Nigeria has donated N67m worth of medical equipment to Sao Tome and Principe to enable her tackle the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic challenges in the country.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who disclosed the donation during Monday’s briefing on the activities of the PTF also said that on Thursday this week, new measures for the 3^rd phase of the lockdown would be announced.

Mustapha noted that the Task Force would submit its 6th Interim Report to President Muhammadu Buhari and that subject to his approval, would “present the way forward to Nigerians at the next briefing on Thursday 6th August, 2020.”

Explaining the donation to Sao Tome and Principe, he noted that “as the ECOWAS Champion on the Containment of COVID-19 in the West African Sub-Region, Mr. President made a donation of N67million worth of PPEs (personal protective equipment) and medical supplies to the government and people of Sao Tome and Principe.

“Mr President’s leadership of this regional effort would be more impactful if Nigerians demonstrate that our National Response could be replicable in other West African countries by changing their behavior.”

On the forthcoming elections in parts of the country, Mustapha said that “the National Response would continue to guide the adoption of sector specific guidelines and protocols just as the PTF is currently concluding discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on appropriate guidelines to be adopted for elections beginning with the August 8th Bye-Election in Nasarawa State to be followed by those for Edo and Ondo States in September and October respectively.

“I, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to implore party leaders, aspirants, members and supporters to remain mindful of the virulent nature of COVID-19 during electioneering campaigns and other election processes. We need to remain alive to enjoy the benefits of our democracy.”

The SGF expressed happiness with support the Task Force has received saying, “the PTF wishes to thank all Nigerians that continue to respond to call for involvement in the National Response.

He also acknowledged receipt by Nigeria of the second tranche of the PPEs, medical supplies and equipment from the UN Basket and European Union.