The House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, during its plenary session, raised a bill for an act to establish Nigeria Centre for Vaccine Research and Development.
Hon. Maigari who led the debate for the bill to be read the second time stressed the need for the establishment of the centre to promote research in vaccines development to ensure Nigeria is capable of developing vaccines to battle infectious diseases.
He reiterated its importance when considering the billions expended in procuring vaccines for the treatment of the coronavirus and pointed to the gains made by Countries that we’re able to quickly develop vaccines for treating the pandemic ravaging the world.
Hon. Â Ndudi Elumelu who also contributed to the debate said there is a dire need for Nigeria to have such centres for vaccine production, considering the way Europe and other developed nations have continued to monopolize vaccine production, sales and distribution.
He lamented the number of Africans that die from indigenous diseases such as Lassa fever and Ebola without available treatment.
Hon. Abdullahi Halims while supporting the Bill called for the funding of health workers in research and development in the area of vaccine development for the treatment of contagious diseases.
Furthermore, Hon. Nkem Abonta supported the spirit of the Bill as it seeks to ensure both healthcare advancement and financial inflow for Nigeria
The bill was approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
Olalere Taiwo;
For the head of press; Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters
