COVID-19: SGF dismisses claims that NCDC charges N35,000 per test

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has dismissed claims that officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) charges N35,000 to collect samples for coronavirus test.

In his reaction on Wednesday, while fielding questions during the presidential task force on COVID-19 briefing, he argued that Nigerians cannot afford to pay that amount for COVID-19 test.

Mustapha stressed that the rumours could discourage the NCDC workers on the field.

He said: “With an established patient, you already know his status, but those you are going to collect samples from, you don’t know their status.

“And some people will take delight in saying that you demand for N35,000, how many Nigerians can afford N35,000 to take a sample?

“So, next time let’s verify these stories because it does a lot of damage to the morale of the people that are out there working to keep us safe to help us navigate this very difficult process in which we have found ourselves.”

“NCDC has conducted over 21,000 tests across Nigeria.

“Of that number, over 3,000 confirmed cases have been recorded.”