Buhari slams U.S., Europe over ‘unacceptable’ access to COVID-19 vaccine
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday berated the United States and Europe for what he described as “unacceptable” global access to COVID-19 vaccines.
“I will take this opportunity to remind the global community that the current state of global access to COVID-19 vaccines is unacceptable. We cannot afford a situation where a handful of countries keep the global vaccine supply to themselves at the expense of other nations,” Mr Buhari said. “We must act now to accelerate equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.”
Mr Buhari, while delivering his Independence Day national broadcast on Friday, said the current state of access to COVID-19 vaccines was unacceptable.
He said the country had built its healthcare system to respond to the outbreak and spread of the deadly Delta variant of the COVID-19 vaccines.
The president also disclosed that his administration would invest more to support Nigerian pharmaceutical and research agencies to develop the local development of vaccines for COVID-19.
“Accordingly, I have directed the ministry of finance budget and national planning, health, education, science, and technology to work with Nigerian and international pharmaceutical companies and research organisations to enhance Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical capacity,” he further said.
His comments came a few weeks after the World Health Organisation disclosed that only 13 African countries had vaccinated more than 10 per cent of their population.
However, Nigeria was not listed amongst the countries to have vaccinated more than 10 per cent of its population.
WHO blamed the crippling vaccine supply shortage for the laggard vaccination exercise in the continent.
Nigeria, which started vaccinating its population in March after receiving the first batch of Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine, has vaccinated only 0.7 per cent of its population.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Anti-Corruption
Nigerian customs, port officials collect bribes; smuggled goods easily enter seaports, cross land borders: Investment Report
Businesses reported that bribery of customs and port officials remains common and often necessary to avoid extended delays in the port clearance process.
States
One killed, three injured in Kaduna auto crash; N8.7 million recovered: FRSC
The sector commander, Kabir Nadabo, said on Thursday in Kaduna that N8.7 million was recovered from the accident scene.
Africa
Widespread government corruption going on in South Africa under President Ramaphosa: U.S. Govt
The report alleged that the South African government did not take credible steps to investigate, prosecute, and punish officials.
Lagos
Lagos civil servants with N35,000 salary now earn N170,000: Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the civil servants began receiving the new wage in January.
Economy
SMEDAN launches competition to grow small businesses, enhance financial literacy
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has introduced a business pitch competition called ‘SMEDAN Speed Pitch’.
Abuja
Court dismisses suit seeking disqualification of Hannatu Musawa as minister
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi (legal right) to institute the suit.