The European Union (EU) has donated 50 million euros (N21 billion) to the Nigerian response efforts against COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Adviser President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in a tweet on Tuesday, said the President received Head of EU delegation Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, in Abuja.
President Buhari hailed the EU for the donation, given through the United Nations-sponsored (UN) One COVID-19 Basket Fund.
Receiving the delegation, Buhari said the donation would support Nigeria’s efforts at controlling and containing the virus to prevent community spread, as well as revitalise the national health care systems.
The President, according to a statement by Adesina, condoled EU-member countries and families, who lost their loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and communities impacted. We are confident from history that the resilience of Europe and our global collective will enable us to emerge stronger from this tragedy.
‘‘Although the EU is facing significant challenges due to this pandemic, I am indeed touched and grateful that the European Union still had the vision and foresight to remember its friends, partners and allies across the world,’’ he said.
The President also lauded EU on the recent launch of the “Team Europe” package to support countries in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
He noted that the intervention, which is a collaboration between EU, its member states, and financial institutions, such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, would ensure that the impact of this pandemic was controlled and contained.
‘‘Indeed, this brotherly support will save millions of lives. Nigeria, Africa and many beneficiary countries across the world will remain grateful for generations to come,’’ he said.
The President told the delegation that his administration had done a lot in the fight against COVID-19.

By Bolaji Ogundele