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COVID-19: Why We Released N10bn For Domestic Vaccines Production – FG

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The Federal Government has announced the release of N10 billion to support the production of domestic vaccines.

Speaking at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) COVID-19 briefing on Monday in Abuja, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the Ministry of Finance released the money on Monday.

He noted that the federal government released the amount in order to quickly tackle the spread of the virus amid the second wave of the pandemic.

The minister said: “The Ministry of Finance has released N10 billion to support domestic vaccine production.

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“While we are working to develop our own vaccines, Nigeria is exploring options for licensed production, in collaboration with recognised institutions. We are also exploring the option of local production of the vaccines in the country.”

The minister also advised Nigerians to ignore claims by some people that the COVID-19 vaccines are for sale in the country.

Ehanire said that there is no approved vaccine for use in the country, adding that there are procedures for vaccine acquisition and use.

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“I advise all citizens to disregard these claims, as they are criminal. There are procedures for vaccine acquisition and use, which include appropriate regulations and certification by the National Agency for Food and Drug and Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“I advise against fake vaccines, as there is no one approved for use in the country. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is the only authorised vaccine administrator in Nigeria,” he said.