The President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has revealed measures to douse the tension especially in respect of the economy, healthcare, job security and general wellbeing of Nigerians among others after the wave of the coronavirus disease in the country.
The presidency noted that the measures are coming against the backdrop of the global anxiety on what is in store for humanity post-COVID-19.
“Naturally, Nigerians are not immune from the disquietude, as they belong to the global community,” explained Femi Adesina, The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,.
The statement focused on measures Buhari had taken, and would further take, to make life bearable for citizens of Nigeria.
It explained that an economic team headed by Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, had already been set up to examine the effect of COVID-19 on the economy.
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In addition, the presidency revealed plans for massive installation of residential solar systems, utilising mainly local materials, and expansion of the Social Investment Programme (SIP).
The statement explains that, the revision of the 2020 to 2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Budget 2020 assumptions and targets have already been carried out, and that time-sensitive expenditure will be prioritised over less critical spending.
Furthermore, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu ,the Minister of Science and Technology, has announced that the ministry is up to the task to take advantage of the opportunities of COVID-19 by developing home-grown solutions to meet national demands.
Onu disclosed this via popular messaging application, Skype, while discussing in a virtual meeting with participants of senior executive course No.42, 2020 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, yesterday in Abuja.
He explained that agencies of the ministry were already developing indigenous solutions to the challenges created by the virus outbreak through the production of hand disinfectants, sanitisers, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like high-quality facemasks, body immune boosters, vaccine, and test kits.
Noting that the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would define a post-COVID-19 economy for Nigeria, the statement also disclosed the setting up of a task force on the free movement of farm produce headed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“As long term measure, emphasis will be placed on integrating local content in proven researches in the cure, and production of materials in the heath sector.”