The federal government has said it is prepared to vaccinate 70 per cent of Nigerians against COVID-19 before the end of 2022.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, said this on Monday in Abuja.
He was speaking at the National COVID-19 Summit with the theme: “Pushing Through the Last Mile to End the Pandemic and Build Back Better”.
“We are now in the era of vaccines and non-pharmaceutical intervention measures.
“We need to encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated and keep observing washing of hands, wearing of face masks, keeping physical distance and avoiding crowded areas.
“Nigeria has invested in vaccines that can cover over 70 per cent of our population before the end of 2022.
“These vaccines are safe and efficacious; it is better and safer to be vaccinated against this virus, now,” Mustapha said.
He said that at the end, the committee is expected to have carried out the review of the country’s COVID-19 response from February 2020 to November 2021 to identify successes, gaps and lessons to be learnt; and also identify resources and develop strategies that will actualise the country’s expressed international commitments toward ending COVID-19 by 31st December 2022 among others.
The SGF said that other expectations were an articulation of actionable recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari on the governance structure, resources and policies needed to end COVID-19 in Nigeria by 31 December 2022.
He said that the recommendations would include how to rebuild the health system and the economy for a better response to future threats.
He said, “Nigeria’s COVID-19 response has been driven by science, data and experience since then till date.
“The national response has been driven by a multi-sectoral process which facilitated expansive and in-depth consideration of issues as well as speedy decision-making.
“The process enjoyed the overwhelming support of partners from the private sector and the international community.
“Through these partners, Nigeria was able to put in place critical infrastructure nationwide, procure scarce medical equipment, test kits and personal protective materials.”
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