President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N6.45 billion for the setting up of gas plants in 38 locations nationwide in a bid to enhance the treatment of COVID-19 patients who need oxygen. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, disclosed this at the first National Economic Council, NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Present at the meeting were state governors, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and other senior government officials.
Mrs Ahmed said the release of the money was necessitated by the increased number of patients who needed oxygen due to the surge in COVID-19 infections in the country.
The minister told NEC that as at January 20, 2021, the balance in the Excess Crude Account, ECA, stood at $72,411,197.80, while balance in Stabilization Account and Natural Resources Development Fund Account stood at N28, 800, 711,295.37 and N95, 830,729,470.82 respectively as at January 19, 2021,
Similarly, the Health Minister Dr. Osagie Ehanire, informed NEC 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, adding that 50 percent of the sum had since been released to states and the FCT.
