<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is real in Nigeria with nearly 100 confirmed cases recorded so far in the country. But government, banks and private sector leaders are taking steps to curb the spread of the virus and reduce impact of the pandemic on the people.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Nigerian Private
Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria
(CBN) on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee and in partnership with the private
sector will be raising funds needed to fight the scourge. Many banks and real
sector operators have also risen to the challenge by making cash donations,
providing e-learning centers, making loans available to healthcare providers
and feeding low-income earners within the populace.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fighting and defeating Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria requires more than government efforts alone. Private sectors, especially banks and real sector operators support is paramount.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That explains why the
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week inaugurated the Nigerian Private Sector
Coalition against COVID-19 meant to receive funds from banks and real sector
operators to be fight the pandemic.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://openlife.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CBN-1-1024x575.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2761"/><figcaption><strong>Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor</strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">CBN Governor, Godwin
Emefiele who broke the news in Lagos, also announced members of the Funding
Committee who are expected to, through their organizations, ; contribute to the designated account opened
at the CBN.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The fund from the
coalition is expected to be raised within the next two weeks and deployed to
procuring equipment and materials needed to combat the menace of COVID-19
pandemic in the country.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Guaranty Trust Bank and
Access Bank have donated to the project N1 billion each. GTBank has aside the
donation, officially presented a 100-bed space Intensive Care Centre for
Covid-19 patients at Onikan in Lagos for Nigerians that may be infected by the
disease. Access Bank has also promised to set up 1,000 bed spaces too.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">First Bank of Nigeria
Limited has also responded to the CBN call for contribution. The bank has
donated N1 billion to the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19
project. Beyond the bed spaces, FirstBank has focused on education and
contributed to the empowering children and the youth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The commercial banks
generally are asking their customers to use alternate e-payment channels to
ensure their safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the
country.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The lenders are also
taking measures to ensure their staff members, customers and stakeholders are
protected against the pandemic gradually spreading in the country.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To ensure the continuity
of businesses and economic activities with minimal effect from the pandemic,
banks have ensured that everyone visiting any of its branches takes a
temperature test, makes use of hand sanitisers and maintains social distance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Many lenders also reduced
the number of staff on duty and encouraged customers to use digital channels,
like Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and mobile payments.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Other real sector
operators like Honeywell Flour Mills have also moved to provide their support.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On the need for
accountability with secured funds, Emefiele disclosed that at the end of the
project, ; a reputable form of Accountants
will be used ; to render full account of
how the funds were utilized as well as account for the materials donated.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is need for telecom
operators to support the COVID-19 project and the e-learning plan by donating
data to make learning easy and seamless for the benefiting children. Also, real
sector operators and manufacturers need to also support by donating their
products to help the most vulnerable in the society at this trying time.</p>

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