The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has urged the National Assembly, to develop a legislative framework towards reforming Nigeria’s healthcare system, as the world battles to overcome the novel coronavirus.
In a message to leadership of the National Assembly on Tuesday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and Chairman of the task force, Mr. Boss Mustapha, also placed a demand before the parliament, to develop a legislative framework to prepare Nigeria for any future pandemic, as well as strengthening the legislative framework for economic growth through domestic manufacturing.
While tasking the National Assembly to deepen its legislative oversight as the looming pandemic persists and beyond, the presidential task force sad the parliament should pass laws that will further ease the ability of the Executive arm of the government to.cushion the impact of economic decline occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, and also to be part of community mobilisation and enlightenment efforts against further spread of the virus.
Mr. Mustapha in his address at plenary of the House of Representatives, recalled that the COVID-19 which was declared a global pandemic on 30th January, 2020 with a figure of 7,818 cases globally, had skyrocketed to 3, 640,473 cases worldwide as at Monday, May 4, 2020 with 1,192,909 recovered and 251,817 fatalities across 212 countries.
“Coming home, Nigeria’s index case was recorded on 27th February, 2020. As at 4th of May, 2020, Nigeria had recorded 2,802 cases, 417 recovered and 93 fatalities. Tomorrow, 6TH May, 2020, will mark 100 days since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was first detected in our country”, he said.
The SGF said, “The impact of the outbreak is summed up vividly by the disruption to the global economy and to healthcare systems that were hitherto regarded as standard and stable. More advanced and sophisticated systems have struggled in the face of the onslaught of COVID-19. Nations around the world have had to deal with this outbreak, for shorter or longer days. We are however determined by a resolve to ensure we protect our citizens and ourselves from this virus, being fully aware of our circumstances”.
On the situation in Kano, he said the state “is fast emerging as the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in the North”, adding that the PTF has been working closely with the Kano State Government and key stakeholders to identify the issues and seek immediate solutions.
“We have deployed a technical team of 41 staff from NCDC supported by 17 staff from WHO to provide technical assistance to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). A team of clinicians and public health experts under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health is also in Kano to provide training on case management and strengthen the capacity of the State to handle emergencies”, he told the House.
