Members of the House of Representatives house resolved to donate their two months’ salaries to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
This was announced in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila.
He disclosed also that the two-month salaries donation was irrespective of whatever contributions made by individual lawmakers to ameliorate the hardship at their various constituencies as a result of the pandemic.
Gbajabiamila said: “We have in the House of Representatives jointly committed to contributing 100 per cent of our salaries for the next two months to the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria.
“Our contribution will support provisions for the welfare of front-line medical professionals and health workers, and other interventions to provide for the well-being of all Nigerians through these trying times.
“Accordingly, I have directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to see to it that all members’ salaries are transferred to the National Relief Fund for this month and the next.”
He assured that the House would exercise its oversight power to ensure that all emergency funds and contributions so far made were faithfully administered to serve the purpose for which they were intended.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: Dantata Donates N300m To Kano State Support Fund
“The House has already mandated the Committees on Health and Disaster Preparedness to diligently oversee the distribution of items donated by local and foreign donors to ensure proper management,’’ he said.
The Speaker noted that the house had urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make cash grants to the 774 local government areas in the country to cushion the effects of the current situation on the masses.
Meanwhile, Gbajabiamila appealed to Nigerians to adhere strictly to the guidelines given by relevant authorities to prevent further spread of the disease, adding that Nigeria could not afford to have a large scale outbreak of the disease.
He expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by all the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.
He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to manage the outbreak and alleviate its harsh economic and social impact on Nigerians.
He assured that the house would in its continue to support the efforts of government to ensure that Nigerians “make it through this difficult time with dignity and peace of mind.”
He further advised governors of states that had not recorded any confirmed cases to proceed as if they had, taking all precautions and making all the same preparations as in the states with confirmed cases.
Gbajabiamila also appreciated all the individuals and organisations who had so far support the Federal and State Governments in fighting the pandemic.
