FG Raises Alarm Over Counterfeit COVID-19 Vaccines in Circulation

On Monday, the federal government warned Nigerians not to receive fake coronavirus vaccines circulating in the country.

Health Minister Osagi Ehanir, speaking during the presidential working group, PTF’s daily COVID-19 briefing, said the federal government is aware of official reports of large-scale fraud and fake COVID-19 vaccines already in circulation.

He said the federal government was not prepared to purchase vaccines from private importers, adding that no vaccines would be allowed in Nigeria without certification from the National Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC).

“The need for private sector involvement in vaccine distribution will be explored by the Vaccine Coordinating Committee and NPHCDA, which is tasked with introducing vaccines in Nigeria,” he said.

In addition, the Federation government secretary and PTF president urged Nigerians to avoid supplying vaccines from the black market.

“Therefore, we ask for patience and vigilance.

“The multisectoral mechanism will be used to improve the logistics of running last mile administration processes,” he said.

The first four million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, recently approved by NAFDAC, will be delivered soon, he said.

As a reminder, last week NAFDAC issued a permit for the emergency use of AstraZeneca vaccines in Nigeria.