BREAKING: FG receives Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine

The Federal Government has received samples of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine.

Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin, delivered the Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine to the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, during a visit to the ministry in Abuja.

This was made known in a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Information, Media, and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi on Friday, September 4

The statement was titled, ‘Russian Federation Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Alexey L. Shebarshin on courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Health Ministers, Russian-made COVID-19 Vaccine finally here.’

READ ALSO: Vietnam joins other countries in queue to buy Russian COVID-19 vaccine

Daily Times recalls that Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, said his country approved a vaccine offering “sustainable immunity” against the lethal coronavirus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced last month that the country had approved a COVID-19 vaccine named “Sputnik V.’’

Russian officials have dismissed concern expressed by scientists around the world over the lack of final-stage testing of the vaccine.

Countries like Vietnam has already registered interest to purchase the vaccine.

However, the World Health Organisation said it would review the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Ehanire also said the vaccine would be “quickly referred” to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control as well as the Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, amongst other agencies, for review and possible validation.

The minister had said Nigeria was working with the WHO for the allocation of 2 billion vaccine doses as soon as they are available.

Also present at the event were the Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora; top management of the Health Ministry and other Nigerian Scientists.

Details later…