By Olaoye Ayotunde

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to examine every possible option in the development and distribution of a vaccine against the COVID-19 disease.

This was disclosed on Wednesday 5th August, 2020 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 had in attendance 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.

What was your priority suppose to be before!!

Fvck_shit

This is an awesome one,the health of the good citizen of Nigeria is important

This is the time we should support our government in fighting this deadly virus called Covid but instead, some born haters will rather ignore their effort and continue pushing #Revononsense.....May God save Nigeria and Nigerians from enemies within ��

Together we will beat this deadly virus

Toyade888:
What was your priority suppose to be before!!

Fvck_shit

Your post show a kind of human you are,let me just be looking at you because you have little knowledge

Nigeria first in all things. A commendable move from the FG.

We need not belabour the point that the #COVID19 challenge is also an unprecedented opportunity for us as a nation and as a people to reset critical sectors of the economy and social services

We need to support the government and fight against this deadly diseases ,the Buhari/Osinbajo has done their parts

So amazing! The health of Nigeria citizen is very important

This is quite commendable - positioning the nation already for a viable vaccine. At the end of the day, Nigeria would still be the biggest African market

Health is wealth. Am glad this Administration is putting efforts to our health sector

This is commendable. Its good to know the welfare of Nigerians is a top priority.

I know it for sure that this pandemic will soon be over, and Nigeria shall bounce back.

Glad to know the government prioritizes the health of Nigerians. Soon, we will conquer this deadly pandemic

Good to see this administration prioritize the health of the people. Surely we'll beat this thing callled Covid-19. Nigeria will survive.

With the support coming from the International Pharmaceutical companies we are sure that Nigeria as a key player in International place will soon prevail

I'm glad that this government is concerned with the well being of every Nigerian. Soon, we'll overcome this pandemic.