The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, says the federal government has approved the release of N10 billion to support local production of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The minister disclosed this at the media briefing of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 on Monday in Abuja.
Ehanire said the country is making arrangements to ensure improved access to the vaccine when available. He said Nigeria has written to express interest in 10 million doses of the viral vector vaccine, which could be supplied as from March 2021.
The Minister explained that the first consignment of vaccine doses will arrive within weeks, and will cover 20 percent of the population, adding that there are plans to increase the figure to cover 50 percent.
“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 country and have had discussions with a producer,” he said.
