Covid-19: FG releases N6.45 billion to set up oxygen plants
By Modupe Shodeinde
The President Muhammadu Buhari has given approval for the release of N6.45 billion to set up oxygen gas plants in 38 different locations in the country.
The release of funds was necessitated by the increased number of patients who need oxygen due to the surge in Covid-19 infections in the country.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, made this known during a virtual meeting of the National Executive Council, in Thursday .
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved 6.45 billion naira for the setting up of gas plants in 38 locations nationwide in a bid to enhance the treatment of Covid-19 patients who need oxygen,” said a statement issued by the vice president’s office.
The meeting was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, with state governors, Federal Capital Territory minister, Central Bank governor and other senior government officials in attendance.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, on Tuesday, had said the oxygen demands for COVID-19 patients at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, had increased to 350 six-litre cylinders daily from 70 six-litre cylinders.
This, he said is projected to more than double to 750 6-litre cylinders, before the end of January 2021.
