The Federal Government on Wednesday said the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the country will cushion the humanitarian challenges relating to the pandemic.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, stated this in a statement issued by her media aide, Mrs Nneka Anibeze on Wednesday in Abuja.
She said: “Let me start by expressing my happiness for the arrival of the first consignment of the COVID-19 vaccines, this demonstrates a milestone in the history of this country in the fight against the pandemic.
“For us in the ministry, COVID-19 is both health emergency and a humanitarian challenge; the administration of the vaccine will really go a long way in cushioning the humanitarian challenges that we are facing.
“I am using this opportunity to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for the support he has given to the Presidential Task Force through the Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.
“We are all pleased and we hope that these vaccines will be effectively utilised.”
The statement also quoted Mustapha as describing the arrival of the vaccines as a milestone in the history of the country and international response to COVID-19.
“The successful development of vaccines and the accelerated process for emergency authorisation has brought hope to humanity all over the world.
“The delivery of these vaccines was made possible as a result of the resourceful leadership provided by President Buhari, the National Assembly and major financial support from our friends globally,” he said.