Facebook explains why coronavirus information centre is being opened in Nigeria

Facebook says it is expanding its coronavirus Information Centre to Nigeria and 16 other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The information centres, according to a statement from Facebook, is part of its effort to help the global fight against COVID-19.

It provides people with the latest news and information from trusted health authorities as well as resources and tips to stay healthy and support their families and communities.

The global technology company said Facebook users could opt in to follow the centre to get notifications and see updates in their News Feed from official government health authorities.

It added that the centre, which was initially launched in South Africa, would now be available in Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon and Guinea.

Other countries are Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Seychelles, Democratic Republic of Congo and Togo.

It said the centre featured at the top of News Feed aimed to provide a central place for people to get credible information about the coronavirus.

According to Facebook, the centre provides real-time updates from national health authorities and global organisations such as the World Health Organisation, as well as helpful articles, videos and posts about social distancing and preventing the spread of COVID-19.