The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, has said he tested negative twice to COVID-19 after trips Kano, Bauchi and other high risk states for official assignment.
Sani-Gwarzo, led the task team on curtailing the spread and impact of COVID-19 to Kano Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe and Zamfara states.
A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday by Deputy Director of Press of the ministry, Ibrahim Haruna, said Sani-Gwarzo made this known while addressing members of Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on the Sustainable Production/Delivery of Essential Commodities During COVID-19 pandemic domiciled in the Ministry.
He said: “My sample was taken and I tested negative, I went into quarantine again for a few days before another test was done, the second test came out negative. So I am happy that I am finally negative.
“I was able to reunite with my family and that is why I am here with you today,” he said.
He further revealed that lessons learnt so far would be leveraged upon to consolidate on successes recorded by the EOC.
“The EOC is a committee I missed so much, although I see a daily report but I have not been able to interact with you as I used to do on a daily basis.”
He commended the committee for a job well done while away on the national assignment.
“I led the Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19 in Kano, it was conceived by the Minister of Health who sought the concurrence of his brother, Minister of Industry, Trade and investment and the Head of Service of the Federation (HOCSF).
“Fortunately, the assignment went on very well, my team is still in Kano, we have not finished the assignment but, in the interim, while making progress in Kano, the Minister of Health identified the need to increase and extend similar assessment to eight eight additional states,” he said.
Earlier, the Manager of EOC, Engr. Battah Ndirpaya commended the Permanent Secretary for carrying out the new assignment successfully, saying it justified the confidence reposed in him by President Muhammadu Buhari and other Nigerians.
