The Secretary-General of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has revealed the sources of funding aimed at combating COVID-19 and its effects.
He also stated that the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 does not operate any bank account as speculated. Mr Mustapha, who also doubles as the Chairman of the PTF, disclosed this at the daily national briefing on COVID-19 held on Friday.
While making clarifications on the donations received so far, he explained that there are four sources of funding.
He mentioned that there is a partnership between the Central Bank on Nigeria (CBN) and major players in the private sector, which brought about the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).
Mr Mustapha said that although the group has generated about 27 billion naira, the Federal government is not in charge of the fund. “It is not under the control of the federal government of Nigeria. There are four for these funds. From business conglomerates from Banks.. and it is purpose-driven for infrastructure, for palliative, for consumables.”
According to the SGF, the second source of funding comes from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its partners, which does not involve cash donations.
“They have a different arrangement for the donations. They are not even collecting money. Indicate what you want to do as your contribution to this response. Are you building an isolation centre?….and the total amount they aggregated the last time in terms of the pledges they received is about 21 billion naira. They don’t collect money. They did not open an account. Whatever you want to give, give.”
He stated that the third source of funding is the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), who supplied infrastructure and equipment.
“The Chinese doctors are here because they have participated in terms of provision of infrastructure and equipment that was installed by the Chinese technicians who came along with the doctor.”
“They have patterns for sister organization. The CCECC in China diverted them to come and help them in the establishment of facilities are part of their corporate social responsibility,” he said.
The last source, according to Mr Mustapha, is the United Nations and its partners.
“We have received contributions from the United Nations family and international donor Partners which is directly under their control.”
“And because of the international connections, they would facilitate procurement much better than engaging in local purchases,” he said.
