2020-03-27 23:09:36

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the bankers committee and the private sector, led by Aliko Dangote Foundation and Access Bank, has announced the formation of the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition against COVID-19.



In a statement by the CBN, the coalition was created due to the urgent need to combat the unfolding COVID-19 crisis in Nigeria.



Members of the group include: the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Aliko Dangote, Herbert Wigwe, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Segun Agbaje, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Femi Otedola.



Already, the coalition has set up four major groups comprising of steering, funding, operational and technical committee to oversee the leadership, funding, project management and data collection for the group.



According to report from TheGuardian, the steering committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who currently chairs the Federal Government Committee on Covid-19.



The CBN explained that each member of the committee must ensure that their institution contribute at least N1 billion to this effort, adding that more members are allowed to become part of the committee as long as they are willing to contribute at least N1 billion.



Other objectives of the coalition are to mobilise private sector thought leadership and resources, increase general public awareness, education and buy-in, provide direct support to private and public healthcare ability to respond to the crisis as well as support government initiatives.



