NCDC denies spending N1bn on SMS to Nigerians

NCDC DG Chikwe Ihekweazu

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has debunked report claiming it spent N1 billion on SMS to Nigerians.

The agency said in a tweet on Thursday that communication via SMS has been provided as support from telecommunications networks.

“The headline claiming that NCDC has spent N1 billion on SMS to Nigerians is FALSE,” it said.

“While communication through SMS is a key part of our #COVID19 response strategy, this has been largely provided as in-kind support by @AirtelNigeria @MTNNG @GloWorld.”

According to the NCDC, there are currently 276 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria.