COVID-19: NSSF, Others Partner to Mitigate Adverse Economic Effects on Nigerians

Sunday Okobi

The Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF), a non-profit organisation, has partnered the international advocacy organisation, Global Citizen, and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to mitigate the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians by supporting vulnerable members of the population.

The group is therefore, renewing calls for support and financial donations to the fund in order to achieve it humanitarian mission.

NSSF noted that as an innovative platform for resource mobilisation primarily established to supplement efforts to support vulnerable members of the public, it is also strengthening the country’s healthcare system and reskilling the Nigerian workforce for a post-pandemic world.

The strategic priority for NSSF for 2021/2022 is to “ensure that one million Nigerians are vaccinated against COVID-19, the Fund is therefore calling on philanthropists, corporate organisations, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, public sector institutions and international donor agencies to join hands and support this initiative which has been created by Nigerians for the benefit of Nigerians.”

According to the Chairman of Global Citizen Nigeria, Babatunde Folawiyo, in a statement issued yesterday, “With the appointment of Dr. Fejiro Chinye-Nwoko as the general manager of the Fund, all the necessary governance structures are now in place and the work of the fund has begun in earnest, with the immediate priority being to support the national COVID-19 vaccination programme

“The NSSF is now well established, and with US$2.4 million raised thus far, we need to build on this and grow the fund towards its goal of US$50 million. The funds will be channeled towards acquiring vaccines and ensuring that Nigerians are well informed about the need for the vaccination.”

The statement added: “Working with carefully selected partners, our goal is to ensure equitable distribution and application of the vaccinations as well as adequate education and awareness about the benefits of getting vaccinated.

“Governed by a Statutory Board of experienced and reputable members, the Board of NSSF has selected and is in the process of engaging top tier professional services firms, PWC and KPMG to handle grants administration and monitoring and evaluation respectively.”

Also, the General Manager of the Fund, Chinye-Nwoko, said: “We are ready to serve the people of Nigeria. We strongly believe the pandemic is above all a health crisis, and ending this health crisis will result in a durable end of the economic crisis. We look forward to the support of the Nigerian people, as together, we can help each other for the good of the country.”

He noted that “it is quick and easy to support the NSSF by pledging your support and actively making a difference through donations to https://nigeriasolidarityfund.ng/donate,

or direct transfers to these accounts: Access Bank, 1391003966 (sort code 044080099) Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (Naira); and Access Bank 1391005544 (USD) Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund.”

All donations, according to the NSSF, will be used to acquire vaccines and reduce barriers to vaccination in Nigeria, as well as support vulnerable Nigerians going through economic hardship.