President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, 14th April, in Abuja commended the European Union, EU, for granting the sum of N21 billion (50 million Euros) to support Nigeria’s efforts towards controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was revealed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina who informed that the sum was granted after President Buhari received in audience the European Union (EU) delegation at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja.
While giving an update on the meeting, Mr Adesina, said that the EU gave a €50 million grant to Nigeria to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
He said; “EU gives Nigeria a grant of 50 million Euro to fight COVID-19.”
The President also used the occasion to express the sincere condolences of the Government and people of Nigeria to EU-member countries and families who lost their loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and communities impacted. We are confident from history that the resilience of Europe and our global collective will enable us to emerge stronger from this tragedy.
‘‘Although, the EU is facing significant challenges due to this pandemic, I am indeed touched and grateful that the European Union still had the vision and foresight to remember its friends, partners and allies across the world,’’ he said.
President Buhari also commended EU on the recent launch of the Team Europe package to support countries in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic and its consequences.
He noted that the intervention, which is a collaboration between EU, its member states, and financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, would go a long way in ensuring the impact of the pandemic was controlled and contained.
‘‘Indeed, this brotherly support will save millions of lives. Nigeria, Africa and many beneficiary countries across the world will remain grateful for generations to come,’’ he said.
He also told the delegation that his administration had done a lot to date in the fight against COVID-19.
‘‘So far, the number of confirmed cases in Nigeria is 343. Our efforts as a Government have focused on controlling and containing the virus to prevent community spread.
‘‘I want to assure you that in this fight, Nigerians are united and by the grace of God and the continued support from our partners, we shall succeed,’’ he said.
The Head of EU delegation, Amb Ketil Karlsen, at the event also commended President Buhari for his powerful address to the nation last night, and for the bold and necessary measures he has taken.
