The United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has disclosed that 16 million doses of the Covax vaccine for COVID-19 would arrive in Nigeria very soon.

On Thursday, Peter Hawkins, UNICEF country representative to Nigeria, disclosed this in Akure during a courtesy visit to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Mr. Hawkins explained that more doses of the vaccine would arrive over the next few months, which would ensure that the vaccine covered 20 percent of the country’s population.

“In the meantime, we are exploring how else to bring vaccines in with a view to allowing Nigeria to go to 40 percent by the end of the year. This should be possible things being equal,” he added.

“We are only halfway through. The pandemic will continue for another one or two years.

“A lot has been done in ensuring that Nigeria secures the right level of vaccine and plans for the equitable distribution of vaccine are being taken through,” he explained.

Responding, Akeredolu thanked UNICEF for the support given to the state over the years.

The governor, who lamented the delay in the purchase of vaccine for Nigerians, described the situation as unfortunate.

(NAN)