President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N6.45 billion for the setting up of gas plants in 38 locations nationwide to enhance the treatment of Covid-19 patients who need oxygen.
The Presidential Task Force PTF on COVID-19 had on January 5, 2021, announced the approval by Buhari for establishment of at least one oxygen plant in each state of the Federation to aid gas available for life support for sufferers of the infection.
However, the disclosure of the financial approval and details of the plan were made known on Thursday during the first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting of the year presided over by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in which Governors, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) Governor and other senior government officials participated.
While briefing the NEC on the release of the funds, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said the President approved the release of the funds for production of oxygen, necessitated by the increased number of patients who need oxygen due to the surge in COVID-19 infections.
