The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and investment, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo says studies are still on-going to determine the cause of the unexplained mortality in Kano State North West Nigeria.

Dr Sani-Gwazo, who resumed office after leading the Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19 to Kano and eight other states, made this known while addressing members of the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on the sustainable production/delivery of essential commodities during COVID-19 Pandemic in Abuja.

He stated that some modest impact has been made.

“We have conducted verbal Post-mortem research to find out what was the cause but we thought we needed to add a new dimension to it to give us a scientific basis for our final decision which was the reason why we extended the decision to do biological studies. When the report is ready we will give it to the state,” he said.

Dr. Gwarzo also disclosed that after a high risk assignment, he tested negative twice to COVID-19.

“My sample was taken and I tested negative, I went into quarantine again for few days before another test is done, the second test came out negative. So I am happy that I am finally negative, I was able to re-unite with my family and that is why I am here with you today, so on a lighter note if you see me you are safe,” he said.

Dr. Gwarzo commended the members for their good work in keeping the tempo while he was in Kano on National assignment.

According to Dr. Gwarzo, “I led Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19 in Kano; it was conceived by the Honourable Minister of Health who sought the concurrence of his brother Minister Honourable 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 Honourable Minister of Health identified the need to increase and extend similar assessment to eight additional States; Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe, Zamfara among others.

“The Honourable Minister of Health increased our mandate, he provided the logistics and almost on daily basis we are in one State or the other.”

He further revealed that lessons learnt in this process would make a difference for EOC as a team, as a group and as a sector.

Manager of EOC, Engr. Battah Ndirpaya, commended the Permanent Secretary for embarking on the new assignment given to him and his team so as to justify the confidence reposed in him by Mr. President. (VON)

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