Nigeria needs 120 billion naira for coronavirus battle, turns to private sector

Vehicles are seen parked ready to pick passengers, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Abuja, Nigeria March 25, 2020. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria has appealed to private companies to make voluntary contributions towards the 120 billion naira ($330 million) that the government says it needs to fight the coronavirus epidemic.

"So far, the federal government has made giant strides in the fight but it is clear that the private sector needs to step in and support efforts already being made," Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele said.