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CBN boosts Nigeria’s quest to tackle COVID-19 with N1.1tr intervention fund for manufacturers, health authorities

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The Central Bank of Nigeria on Wednesday announced a N1.1trillion intervention fund to support critical sectors of the economy.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said about N1trillion would be used to support the local manufacturing sector and boost import substitution.

According to him, the balance of N100billion will be used to support the health authorities to ensure laboratories, researchers and innovators work with global scientists to patent and produce vaccines and test kits in Nigeria.

“Following the Coronavirus pandemic, the N100billion will enable the country prepare for any major crises ahead,” Emefiele said.

He said given the continuing impact of the disease on global supply chains, the CBN would increase its intervention in boosting the economy.

He added: “First the CBN is directing all Deposit Money Banks to increase their support to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

“In local drug manufacturing, in increased bed count in hospitals across Nigeria, in funding intensive care as well as in training, laboratory testing, equipment and R&D.

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“In addition to the N50billion soft loans to small businesses already announced, the CBN will increase its intervention by another N100billion in loans this year to support health authorities.

“Secondly, given the continuing impact of the disease on global supply chains, the CBN will increase its intervention in boosting local manufacturing and import substitution by another N1tn across all critical sectors of the economy.”

He said the management of the apex bank would meet with the Bankers Committee on Saturday to work out the modalities for the intervention.

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