West African Covid Approval Archives

Salami Reveals Nigeria spent N1.85 trillion on Food Importation after Land Boarder Closure

The Chairman of the Presidential economic advisory council, Mr Doyin Salami, revealed that the Nigerian government spent around N1.85 trillion on food imports in 2020 after the nations land boarders were closed.

Nigeria closed its land boarders in August 2019 to decrease the level of illegal foods, agricultural prod ucts and contraband being smuggled into Nigeria from neighbouring countries.

Mr Salami released these findings at the annual National Economic Outlook event organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria on Tuesday (19th January). Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, the event was held virtually.

“Despite boarder closures, our national import of food amounted to N1.85 trillion between January and September 2020, resulting in a 62% increase when compared to the same period in 2019” Mr Salami indicated during a interview with The National.

In recent weeks, President Buhari approved the immediate reopening of four land boarders after being closed for more than 17 months. However, the opening of the boarders do not cancel the restrictions on imports of products such as rice.

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Source: Premium Times Ng, January 2021

NCDC Publishes New Support on the Use of Approved Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits

January 19, 20210

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control has recently (NCSC) published new guidelines for State Governments, public and private institutions, on the use of the recently approved Antigen based Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for coronavirus cases.

In September 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the emergency use of Authorisation on two Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) used for Covid-19 cases. Following on from this announcement, the NCDC and various other stakeholders carried out a number of tests and enquires with the intention of validating the RDT’s. After some months, the screening process indicated that the RDTs meet the minimal standards for sensitivity and specifically the Covid 19 diagnostic tests. The NCDC stated that as more rapid tests become approved by the WHO, the increased likelihood they will be considered to be used in Nigeria. However, rigorous testing, screening and examination needs to be approved before approved for public or private use.

The RDTs are provide a significant advantage in comparison to other testing methods, the most effective being the shorter turnaround times and the reduced cost. The effective use of RDTs will enable the State Governments of Nigeria to increase mass testing and providing care for people with Covid 19. The NCDC recommends the RDT’s are used primarily in congregate settings such as schools, hospitals and the use of testing healthcare workers in prisons, etc.

Ag-RDTs developed Abbott and SD Biosensor have a increasing number of advantages including being highly portable and easy to administer to recipients. However, the test needs to be administered by a healthcare professional in a infection prevention and disease controlled environment to give the most reliable and accurate response.

FAB West Africa will be organised to ensure a safe environment to do business in accordance with the All Secure Standard guidelines created for the global framework of the reopening of exhibitions.

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Source: The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, January 2021

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