The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has opened a special account for donations on the plan to establish more medical facilities across the country, through a newly established Private Sector, known as Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).
According to the apex bank’s chief spokesman, Isaac Okorafor, in a statement today, March 30, the account is set up for those who wish to make a monetary contribution.
“Currency Account Name
Account Number
Correspondent Bank
Nigerian Naira
COVID-19 Relief fund Account 1000014920 Central Bank of Nigeria
US Dollars
CBN TSA USD 0017575300
CitiBank UK.”
Okorafor said that work has begun in earnest to provide and equip medical facilities in the six geopolitical zones, adding that it would involve the creation of testing, isolation and treatment centers, and include the provision of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and molecular testing labs.
“We have started with Lagos (1,000 beds), Kano (500 beds), Rivers (210 beds) Abuja (200 beds), Enugu (200 beds) and Borno (200 beds) and expect to be operational within 10 days. The next phase will see locations set up in Katsina, Ogun, Bayelsa, Anambra, Bauchi and Plateau to be ready within three weeks. The remaining states of the Federation will be set up in the last phase within the next five weeks.
“Based on the population of Lagos, and the fact that it is the epicenter of this crisis, we will also be creating a permanent structure within the next 4 to 6 months.
“Teams have been set up and world-class standards are being employed to aggressively pursue a solution to this pandemic.
“This is a massive effort and all hands must be on deck, which is why at a time like this, it is critical we come together as one. Hence the need to channel all our efforts through the CACOVID umbrella.
“We shall provide a weekly update to keep you apprised of how this life-saving initiative is being addressed and a monthly financial update to the contributors.”
The statement appealed to Nigerians to continue to follow the health and safety guidelines as mandated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), saying: “together we can. Together we will.”
