The Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, says it has committed over $500 million to support Nigeria’s immunisation programme over the next five years.

Gavi’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sania Nishtar, disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Ms Nishtar commended Mr Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a strong advocate for global health and healthcare reforms in Nigeria.

She said that Nigeria had recorded significant progress in primary healthcare revitalisation, immunisation and health financing reforms under the current administration.

According to her, Gavi remains committed to supporting Nigeria despite the global decline in official development assistance and shrinking donor funding.

“Over the next five years, we will be contributing over 500 million dollars towards vaccination campaigns, which will see this partnership vaccinate an entire generation of children in this great country,” she said.

Ms Nishtar stated that Gavi had invested $2.4 billion in Nigeria over the last 20 years and would continue supporting the country’s healthcare priorities.

She said that the Alliance had also established a $1.2 billion African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator to promote vaccine production across the continent.

“We have put together an instrument called the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, a 1.2 billion dollar instrument to promote commercial vaccine manufacturing on the continent,” she said.

Ms Nishtar urged Nigeria to sustain its vaccine financing commitments, noting that the partnership currently operated on a 70-30 funding arrangement between Gavi and Nigeria.

She explained that Gavi contributed $261 million in 2025, while Nigeria provided about $90 million for vaccine procurement and immunisation programmes.

The Gavi CEO also encouraged the Federal Government to explore mechanisms for greater state participation in vaccine financing, to ensure long-term sustainability.

Responding, Mr Tinubu expressed appreciation to Gavi for its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and supporting vaccine access in Nigeria.

“The wonderful job of Gavi and the team is well appreciated, and the programme of acceleration for vaccine production in Nigeria is empowering the continent,” he said.

Mr Tinubu said that Nigeria remained committed to immunisation, vaccine access and strengthening healthcare systems across the country.

He stated, “We owe it to the entire population to be foresighted, committed and dedicated to developing the capacity of Africans and protecting future generations.”

He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, for driving reforms in the health sector.

Mr Tinubu assured Gavi of continued collaboration, describing the partnership as strategic to Nigeria’s health and human capital development agenda.

“The partnership is cherished. We will cooperate and collaborate. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to humanity,” he said.

Mr Pate said that the five-year funding envelope would enable Nigeria to plan more effectively and expand access to life-saving vaccines for children and vulnerable populations.

The funding, approved under the Gavi 6.0 programme, will support routine immunisation, sustain polio eradication, expand HPV vaccination, strengthen primary healthcare and improve long-term vaccine financing in Nigeria. 

(NAN)