As was contained in a press release signed by Victoria Agba Attah, Director Information, MBNP, Prince Agba lauded  the timely signing of the Agreement, especially now that “ the COVID- 19 (corona virus) has become a global concern and every country is doing its best to protect its territory and citizenry” adding that  the initiative will help in  complementing  the efforts of the 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 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.

Mr. Kikuta further explained that the project involves that construction of a Central Public Health laboratory in Lagos as well as the procurement of necessary equipment to 8 different laboratories which are  located at the following: (i) the Central Public Health laboratory in Lagos, (ii) University of Lagos Teaching Hospital virology laboratory, (iii) National Hospital Abuja (iv) University College Hospital Ibadan (v) University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, (vi) Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Edo State ,(vii) University of Benin Teaching Hospital and (viii) University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.

He commended the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control for  the  pivotal role they are playing 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 collaboration..