As the battle against Coronavirus in the country rages on, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and private sector operators have formed a coalition that will see to the funding and procurement of the needed equipment and materials to support the fight against the global pandemic.
Members of the coalition known as the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 have agreed to donate N1billion each alongside the CBN to fund the fight against the deadly virus.
They include Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu; managing directors of Access Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank, Herbert Wigwe and Segun Agbaje; chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia and chairman of United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu.
Speaking at a briefing in Lagos yesterday, CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele noted that Nigeria needs more than N120 billion to procure equipment and materials needed in the fight against the pandemic, adding that the fight should not be left to government alone.
He said the funding committee which will be responsible for the initial funding of the effort will have as members, the CBN Governor, Aliko Dangote, Herbert Wigwe, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Segun Agbaje, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Femi Otedola.
“Each member of the committee is to ensure that their institution contribute at least N1 billion to this effort. More members are allowed as long as they are willing to contribute at least N1 billion”, he stated.
Emefiele called on individuals and organisations in the country and abroad to help in the fight, saying everybody that can should join the funding committee of the coalition with a donation of at least N1 billion.
He continued: “Information gathered so far has revealed that to procure all needed equipment, material, and all infrastructure needed to fight this pandemic, over N120b need to be raised.
“The Bankers Committee and these important Stakeholders will be required to step up to support this endeavor. We are already engaging other important stakeholders in Nigeria and abroad, such as the NNPC and players in Oil industry.
“An account will be set up at the Central Bank of Nigeria to receive both Naira and foreign currency from our donors. At the end of the process, we shall have a reputable form of Accountants to render full account of how the funds were utilized as well as account for the materials donated.
The coalition for the sake of accounting and transparency will open its books to all Nigerians to see any amount contributed by any individual or organisation or the number of material contributed. Proper audit will be conducted to ensure that everybody is happy with the way funds are received and expended. I assure everyone that we are determined to ensure that Nigerians survive this battle ahead and we will need the support of everybody to ensure that this is done”.
Emefiele further noted that the coalition will also have a steering committee to provide leadership and steer the coalition and committees in procuring all needed funding, equipment and materials for the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The steering committee, he said, will be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who currently chairs the federal government committee on Covid-19, adding that other members of the committee will be announced later.
Members of the operational committee which will be responsible for project management, logistics, communication and advocacy comprise the CBN governor, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GT Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, Unity Bank, Nigerian Breweries Plc.
The technical committee will be responsible for gathering data about the equipment and materials needed nationwide as well as intellectual leadership around testing issues, treatment protocols, isolation centers, etc.
Membership of the technical committee comprises NCDC, WHO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Federal Ministry of Health and selects members of the operational and funding committee.
The CBN governor said the coalition will be working with reputable institutions and consultants, including the Lagos State commissioner for Health, Dr. Akin Abayomi, Dr Christian Happi, and Dr Phillip Onyebujo.
Emefiele noted that the objectives of the coalition are to mobilize private sector thought leadership, private sector resources, increase general public awareness, education and buy-in, provide direct support to private and public healthcare’s ability to respond to the crisis as well as support Government effort in the fight against the virus.
Source:Leardership.ng
