The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, the Bio Vaccine Limited billed to commence production of vaccine at the expiration of the subsidies expected from GAVI in 2028, has 49 per cent federal government investment.
He added that Nigerians are currently being trained in South Africa, South Korea and India to ensure technology transfer ahead of the planned production of vaccines by the Bio Vaccine Limited.
Ehanire said:
“By 2028 the support we used to get from GAVI to subsidize our vaccines will expire.
“And by that time, we should be producing our own vaccine domestically.
“And we are supporting Bio Vaccine Nigeria Limited to be that manufacturer soon in Nigeria.
“The contract for manufacturing that was approved today will be done for bio vaccine.
“But before the end of this year, the groundbreaking will start because they already draw the plan, the structural plan everything is already completed, the survey has been done, the approval has been given and then with this partnership now, they will now break the ground and start building right away.
“Yes, of course, it’s technology transfer. And it’s like bringing new technology and domiciling it with Bio Vaccine Nigeria limited.
” In fact, the staff training has already begun. Part of the training has been in South Africa, part of the training has been in South Korea and then of course, Serium Institute of India will now do the rest.
” And during the technology transfer of course, there will also be the handing over of knowledge and skills.”
