President Buhari Reacts As European Union Gives Nigeria €50 Million To Fight Coronavirus

The European Union (EU) has given Nigeria €50 million (N21 billion) grant in support of the government’s current efforts to contain the spread of Coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The Head of EU delegation in Nigeria, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, announced the grant at a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, confirmed the EU’s funding support in a tweet.

“EU gives Nigeria a grant of 50 million Euro to fight Covid-19. Head of EU delegation, Amb Ketil Karlsen, at the event commended President Buhari for “your powerful address to the nation last night,” and for “the bold and necessary measures you’ve taken,” he wrote.

While receiving the donation, President Buhari commended the EU commission for its efforts at aiding the country fight against the spread of the deadly disease with its €50 million donation.

“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,” the President was quoted saying.

Buhari 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.

He 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,’’ Buhari said.

This is coming after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) granted $500 million debt relief to 25 countries, mostly African nations excluding Nigeria.