The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Japanese Government have signed an $18.2M agreement to strengthen the capacity of Network Laboratories of the Nigeria Centre of Disease Control for accurate laboratory and medical investigations.
While performing the ceremony on behalf of the Nigeria Government, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, praised the efforts of the Japanese Government in fulfilling the promise made by the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe to Nigeria at the TICAD 7 Conference at Tokoyo in 2019.
Prince Agba lauded the timely signing of the agreement, especially now that the COVID- 19 has become a global concern and every country is doing its best to protect its territory and citizenry. He added that the initiative will help in complementing the efforts of the Nigerian Government in the fight against infectious diseases.
He reassured the Japanese Ambassador of Nigeria’s commitment to creating an enabling environment to sustain the relationship between both countries in achieving the sustainable economic development of the Nigerian nation.
In his remarks, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yutaka Kikuta who signed on behalf of the Japanese Government, said that the agreement was meant to support the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to strengthen its surveillance system of infectious diseases and improve its capacity for early response to public health concerns in Nigeria.
He explained that the project involves construction of a Central Public Health Laboratory in Lagos as well as the procurement of necessary equipment to 8 different laboratories.
He also commended the NCDC for their pivotal role in the management of the Corona Virus outbreak in Nigeria, adding that the Government of Japan remains committed to her pledges and will continue to support Nigeria’s effort at strengthening its health system.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Olusola Idowu, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining the relationship with the Japanese Government and to further explore avenues for future collaborations.
Victoria Agba-Attah
Director Information, MBNP
