The Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie has said that Nigeria has been using the antiretroviral drug Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients in the country.

Ehanire disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking at a press briefing concerning COVID-19 which currently has 2802 cases in Nigeria.

“We have been using that (Remdesivir); we have tried that in Lagos too,” he said.

“So, we have tried the antiretroviral drug to see what effect it has.”

Remdesivir was approved for the treatment of COVID-19 by the US National Institute of Health.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has confirmed 76 new cases of COVID-19 which draws the total number of cases in the state to 1,199.

A tweet reads: ”COVID19Lagos Update as at 2nd May 2020.

”76 new cases of COVID19 Infection confirmed.

”Total confirmed cases in Lagos now 1,199.

”14 COVID19Lagos patients; 8 males & 6 females were discharged. Total Discharged now 261.

”Unfortunately, 1 COVID-19 death was recorded.

” This brings the total number of #COVID19 related deaths in Lagos to 31.

”Call 08000CORONA for any COVID19 issues.”