Contrary to the reports making the rounds that the federal government had received a sample of COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, the Federal Ministry of Health says the government is yet to receive the said vaccine.
In a statement signed by its director, Information, Media and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, the Ministry stated that the vaccine is still in the custody of the Russian Federation’s Embassy in Nigeria.
The report that Nigerian government had received a sample of COVID-19 vaccine from Russia followed the meeting between Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin with the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, on Friday (Read more here).
While clarifying the item that was received, Oyetomi disclosed that what was handed over to Nigerian authorities was an aide memoir on the recently announced Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine.
He said the aide memoir will enable the country’s team study and get ready for further researches, patronage and application.
Also, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora said the Russian COVID-19 vaccine is yet to arrive in Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, Mamora said the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey only visited the Minister of Health to give an update on the Russian vaccine.
According to Mamora, the vaccine would be subjected to the usual test by NAFDAC and other relevant authorities when the vaccine is ready.
You will recall that the Russian government had in August announced the production of a vaccine for the novel COVID-19.
