Post-COVID-19: Presidency releases Buhari’s plans for Nigeria

 

The Presidency has released the actions and measures being taken by President Muhammadu Buhari to reduce the suffering of Nigerians after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an article made available to DAILY POST on Thursday by Femi Adesina, the President’s Spokesman noted that Buhari is focusing on the future.

“There is global anxiety on what the future holds for humanity post-COVID-19, particularly in respect of the economy, healthcare, job security, and general wellbeing,” he said.

He noted that Nigerians are not immune from the disquietude since they belong to the global community.

According to the Presidency, there is a checklist of some measures that President Buhari has taken, and will further take, to make life abundant for Nigerians.

Adesina said he hopes this would assuage the apprehension of Nigerians.

“An economic team, headed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning has been set up to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

“Economic Sustainability Committee headed by the Vice President to define a post-COVID-19 economy for Nigeria.

“Taskforce set up on the free movement of farm produce headed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Plans afoot to tackle weak health systems and infrastructure through the establishment of standard laboratories, intensive care units, and isolation centres in all states of the Federation. The health infrastructure will eventually be recalibrated for the good of the people, and in readiness for future emergencies.

“As a long term measure, emphasis will be placed on integrating local content in proven researches in the cure, and production of materials in the health sector.

“A Fiscal Sustainability Plan to complement the suite of monetary and banking interventions recently announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“A mass agricultural programme to be put in place.

“Major rural road construction and mass housing programmes.

“Large scale installation of residential solar systems, utilizing mainly local materials.

“Expansion of the Social Investment Programme.

“The 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the Budget 2020 assumptions and targets have already been revised.

“Time-sensitive expenditures are to be prioritized over less critical spending.

“Extant financial controls are to be strengthened to detect, eliminate and sanction instances of waste, funds misappropriation and corruption.”