The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said that Nigeria is working very hard to produce a locally made vaccine to enable its Professionals and Scientists be involved in the production process.
The Minister said this when Cuban Ambassador Her Excellency Clara M. Paulido-Escandell paid a courtesy visit in his office on Monday, in Abuja.
Onu further said that the essence of production of the vaccine locally will help the country to create job and equally reduce poverty level in respect of rising population of the country.
He further stated that Nigeria is trying to reactivate its effort in research towards the production of Covid-19 Vaccine so that other countries can benefit from us.
Onu reiterated that Nigeria will leverage in so many areas in their collaboration with Cuba for the good of both countries
He also said that FMST is working very hard to reactivate the R&D in the country in order to remain competitive with other countries in Vaccine production.
In Nigeria, he said many candidates have brought claims for the disease cure, which presently is being investigated at various levels and undergoing clinical test.
He also used the opportunity to call on Nigerians Professionals and the organised private sectors (OPS) that the Executive order No. 5 is operational, adding that if any Nigerian professional suffers any unfairness in the procurement process the Ministry should be notified.
In his words ‘we want all Nigerian Professionals to be at the centre of economic activities in the country and we believe strongly that this is the only way enterprises, cooperation and socio-economic growth will become very strong.
Earlier, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Clara M. Paulido-Escandell informed the Minister that her visit was in furtherance of her earlier visit which was to collaborate with Nigeria on vaccine production and also warn against the rise of a new Covid -19 variant.
Irondi Ifeoma
& Maryam Zakari.
12th July, 2021.
📸Olusegun Shogbola