Nigeria has recorded 22 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19), bringing the total to 276, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed.

"As at 9.00pm, April 8, there are 276 confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported in Nigeria. Forty-four have been discharged, with six deaths," said the NCDC via Twitter. 

Despite the disapproval of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), a 15-man medical team from China arrived in the country on Wednesday on an Air Peace chartered flight in government efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country. 

The Chinese team brought with them a second batch of medical supplies, including PPE and ventilators.

The Guardian reported that the chairman and chief executive officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the flight as historic and commended the government for its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens from the pandemic. 

He also thanked the government for choosing an indigenous carrier to airlift the medical supplies from Turkey and China.

“This is a huge encouragement to local airline operators and the promotion of indigenous businesses, which create jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths.

“History was also made yesterday, April 8, 2020, as Air Peace Boeing 777-200ER (P4 5-NBVE) landed in Beijing, China, 2.18pm, for the airlift of the federal government of Nigeria’s medical supplies for the fight against Covid-19.

“This is the first time a Nigerian airline would be doing a direct non-stop 14-hour flight to China. The aircraft operated another non-stop 15-hour fight to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. All six-man crew are Nigerians. 

"May God Almighty be praised for everything. We are all one under one God. Congratulations, Nigeria,” Onyema said.