President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N6.45 billion for the setting up of gas plants in 38 locations across the country aimed at in a bid to enhance the treatment of Covid-19 patients who need oxygen.

The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, made the disclosure at the end of the first national executive council meeting for the year in Abuja on Thursday.

She said the approval of the release of the funds for the production of oxygen, was necessitated by the increased number of patients who are in need of oxygen due to the surge in Covid infections in the country.

The meeting was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with State Governors, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Central Bank Governor and other top government officials in attendance.

The Media Assistant to the Vice President, Laolu Akande in a statement released late Thursday evening quoted the Minster of Finance as saying that  Buhari approved the release of the funds for the production of oxygen, necessitated by the increased number of patients who need oxygen due to the surge in COVID-19 infections in the country.