The Federal Government of Nigeria unveiled the National Plan for Vaccine Research and Development and Local Production, a key step toward reducing reliance on imported vaccinations. Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, spoke at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Friday, underlining the project’s importance in creating local vaccine production.
The National Plan, meticulously crafted through a year-long collaboration with the European Union, the Bulgarian Government, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), aims to provide a comprehensive blueprint for the entire vaccine production process within the country.
Minister Alausa highlighted the innovative bottom-up methodology employed in developing the plan, ensuring that the outcomes would significantly complement the National Vaccine Policy. He expressed confidence that with the support of both local and international partners, Nigeria’s efforts in vaccine development would progress swiftly.
The Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yanko Yordanov, commended Nigeria for its critical health initiative and pledged further support and collaboration from his government. Ambassador Samuela Isopi, represented by Prof Ben Amor Mathieu, appreciated the plan’s alignment with the priorities of the European Union and lauded NIPRD for its timely intervention to establish Nigeria as a hub for medicine production in the African sub-region.
NIPRD’s Director-General, Obi Adigwe, expressed optimism that, with the right support, the institute could facilitate the establishment of up to three vaccine plants in Nigeria within the plan’s duration. He commended the Federal government for its confidence and support, highlighting the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to optimal performance.
