The Nigerian Government has received the samples of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin gave the samples of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire during a visit to the Ministry in Abuja on Friday.
The Russian Ambassador also gave the Minister an aide memoire which gives details about the vaccine to help the Nigerian Government conduct further research on it.
He explained that the country has been taking part in a series of knowledge exchanges and contact with several research bodies and nations in a bid to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ehanire said the vaccine would be quickly referred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as the Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, amongst other agencies, for review and possible validation.
Ehanire noted that the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria for the right of access, immediately the Russian COVID-19 vaccine was announced.
The Director of Hospital Services Department in the Ministry, Dr Adepimpe Adebiyi who was also present at the event said it is an opportunity to expand Nigeria’s vaccine production.
“We are exploring all knowledge in terms of therapeutics and vaccines,” Ehanire said in a statement by the health ministry. “We are expressing our interest for the COVID19 vaccine so that we will have the opportunity to work elaborately.
Also present at the event were the Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora; top management of the Health Ministry and other Nigerian Scientists.
CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib stated that this opportunity will help to strengthen the collaboration between Russian and Nigeria.
“We are at a point where we have a joint venture with the private sector,” Shuaib said.
Director of the hospital services department in the health ministry Dr Adepimpe Adebiyi said the receipt of the samples is an opportunity for Nigeria to expand in its vaccine production.
