Pfizer says supply to Nigeria is priority in Africa

The Federal Government intends to examine every possible option in the development and distribution of a vaccine against the COVID-19 disease, and the health and safety of Nigerian citizens is the priority of the Buhari administration in that matter.

This was disclosed earlier today by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, during a virtual meeting with representatives of the BNT162 COVID-19 vaccine candidate on the progress of the vaccine development around the world, including Africa.

The meeting was attended by the Health Minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib with representatives of Pfizer and Biotech, the international pharmaceutical firms promoting the BNT162 vaccine candidate.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, the interaction between the FG and the promoters of the vaccine candidate “is an important conversation and it is important for us that we are prioritized-as the largest country in Africa-in the distribution of the best COVID-19 vaccine when it’s eventually ready.

“Our priority is the health of the Nigerian citizens. We continue to engage and intend to look at every possible option -from all manufacturers- of a good vaccine. We want to do the very best for our people in this regard.”

During the meeting the Vice President asked several questions about the COVID-19 vaccine candidate including how quickly can Nigeria get the vaccine once it’s safely ready.

Responding, the Pfizer Country Manager and Representative in Africa, who spoke for the promoters, Mr. Subair Olayinka disclosed that “Nigeria will be priority,” for the vaccine supply to Africa.

Although the vaccine trials are not going on in Nigeria currently he said the trails are ongoing in parts of the African continent and it would be entering the third phase, having concluded the first two phases successfully.

Also speaking the Health Minister noted that the FG would consider quality, appropriate volume and how well and quick a vaccine can be delivered to Nigeria in deciding which manufacturer to make the supply.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
5th August 2020

I can see good news on the way

At last a silver lining in the midst of this Storm of COVID19. Nigeria will Prevail

Time wait s for no one. What must be done must be done. I pray for wisdom for our leaders to make the right decision. This pandemic has eaten into our economy too deep.

Buhari/Osinbajo administration is concerned with the life of the polulace and their are taking cognizant ways of make life better

Nigeria will surely Prevail

Sometimes, I feel like cursing this government. It is better they keep quiet than trying to call us fools.

I believe in Buhari Osinbajo admin. And I have no doubt in my mind that Pfizer will stick to their words especially with the VP in picture.

Recall, very recently, Mr. P thanked the VP on polio for making Nigeria proud in the fight against polio.
With the tech in place & FG working together with the pharmaceutical industries & even the harbal medicine producers, achieving a cure that is tested & trusted would be guaranteed.