Ecobank Nigeria shuts down Abuja branch over Coronavirus death

BY OUR REPORTER

Ecobank Nigeria on Monday evening said that it has shut down its Wuse II, Abuja Branch, following the realisation that the first coronavirus death case in Nigeria was a customer, who had been to the said branch less than two weeks ago.

Even though the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) merely described the case as “a 67-year-old male who returned home following medical treatment in UK,” subsequent media reports revealed the identity as former Managing Director of Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Engr Suleiman Achimugu.

“Nigeria very sadly, this morning (Monday) recorded its first death, which unfortunately is one of our valued customers. Our most sincere condolences to the family,” Ecobank regretted in a statement issued via its Twitter handle.

The bank further stated: “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that the deceased was at our Wuse II, Abuja Branch on March 12 2020, twelve days ago. The deceased did not show any symptom at the time of visit.

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“In line with best standards and our COVID-19 response plans, we have, therefore immediately temporarily closed the branch and all staff at the location have been put in mandatory self-isolation for 14 days, in full compliance with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines and to ensure their wellbeing and those of our customers. We have promptly informed the NCDC.”

Below, details of Ecobank statement:

Safety First- Each of Us Must Act Now.#EcobankOn #StaySafe #Covid19 pic.twitter.com/caCZNdR5tt

— Ecobank Nigeria (@ecobank_nigeria) March 23, 2020