The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari approves N8.49 billion for the procurement of 12 items in various quantities for the testing of coronavirus pandemic by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, disclosed this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the 11th virtual meeting of the Council, held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the approval would enable the NCDC to procure COVID-19 testing and diagnostic kits for all the 774 Local Government Areas of the federation.
The minister said that the approval is part of the preparedness for community transmission which has affected 586 Local Government Areas, noting there is a need to expand testing and diagnostic capabilities.
Ehanire dismissed the assertion that the PTF had deliberately ignored the use Rapid Diagnostic Test in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic, saying the test is being used across the country.
He, however, stated that the test was not very reliable as reported by the World Health Organisation and other experts.
He frowned at the reported disregard for COVID-19 protocols at the ongoing political campaigns in Edo and the funeral rites of Senator Buruji Kashamu, in Ogun State.
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