FG Releases N10bn for COVID-19 Domestic Vaccine Production

At the Presidential Task Force briefing on Monday, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire has said that the Federal Government has released the sum of N10 billion to support domestic vaccine production.

Osagie revealed that the federal government was working to produce its COVID-19 vaccine.

He said, ”The Ministry of Finance has released N10 billion to support domestic vaccine production. While we are working to develop our vaccines, Nigeria is exploring options for licensed production in collaboration with recognized institutions, we are also exploring the option of local production of the vaccines in-country and have had discussions with a producer.” he said.

Ehanire also asked Nigerians to disregard reports of the sale of Covid-19 vaccines in Nigeria.

”There are reports of claims by some persons in Nigeria, to have COVID-19 vaccines for sale in the country. I advise all citizens to disregard these claims as they are criminal. There are procedures for vaccine acquisition and use which include appropriate regulation and certification by NAFDAC. I advise against the risk of fake vaccines, as there is no vaccine yet approved for use and NPHCDA is the only authorized vaccine administrator in Nigeria.” he said.

The Minister also announced that the first consignment of COVID19 vaccines would arrive the country in a few weeks.

”On vaccines, we are exploring all options available for the acquisition of approved vaccines for Nigerians. We are hopeful that the first consignment will arrive in the country in some weeks.

Apart from the COVAX facility, which is billed to cover vaccination of just 20% of our population, we plan to increase our chances of getting enough vaccines to meet the country’s need to cover an additional 50% of the population.

Nigeria is participating in the African Union initiative called “African Vaccine Availability Task Team”, which reports directly to the African Union Chairman, President Ramaphosa of South Africa, and has secured options for 270 million doses of various types of vaccines.