CBN Plans To Flood Nigerian Markets With 300,000 Metric Tonnes Of Maize Soon

January 18, 2021

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded plans to flood Nigerian markets with about 300,000 metric tonnes of maize from strategic anchors under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) of the bank..

it believed that the release of such number of maize will trigger off reduction in the current price of maize, which is now N155,000 per metric tonne.

A statement from the apex bank today, January 18, said that the anticipated release follows moves the bank, in conjunction with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in the last quarter of 2020, to facilitate import waivers to four agro-processing companies to import 262,000 tonnes of maize to bridge the shortfall in production and augment local production.

It said that the release of 300,000 metric tonnes in February 2021 will also increase demand for the crop and ultimately enhances the gains of maize farmers.

The statement recalled that prior to the CBN-NCS collaboration, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of 30,000 tonnes of maize from the National Strategic Grain Reserve to support the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) at a subsidized rate.

In a media chat in Abuja, the National President of the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Alhaji Bello Abubakar, attributed the current shortfall in the quantity of maize available in the market, to include insecurity around the major maize producing belt of Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and part of Kano states. Alhaji Bello also identified the activities of hoarders and middlemen who engage in hoarding of the grain.

Also speaking, a prime anchor under the maize production, Dr. Edwin Uche, noted that banditry, drought in some parts of the country in 2020 and activities of middlemen are responsible for the current high price.

He however opined that the planned dry season farming which is first of its kind in the country, timely distribution of inputs to farmers and improved security, would go a long way to enhance production andensure stability in price. He expressed optimism about the price crashing to N120,000 per metric tonne in the next couple of days.

Another major stakeholder in the maize production, Ayodeji Balogun of AFEX, attributed the hike in price to cash-flow problem of farmers which has compel farmers to resort to collecting cash from buyers ahead of production and resort to side-selling, especially across the borders of neighbouring countries due to higher prices.

It will be recalled that the CBN in 2020 had provided credit facility and seed support to maize farmers, to enable them increase their yield, particularly due to the challenge posed by the Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As part of the Bank’s financing framework, the CBN has facilitated the funding of maize farmers and processors through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) Commodity Association, Private/Prime Anchors, State Governments, Maize Aggregation Scheme (MAS), and the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).

Confirming the release of credit to its membersby the CBN, the National President of the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Dr. Bello Abubakar disclosed that over 200,000 farmers targeted to producee more than 25 million metric tonnes of maize in the 2020/2021 planting season.

According to him, the credit secured by the CBN are being distributed to members along the maize value chain, nation-wide. He expressed confidence that the support of the CBN would boost production and ultimately ensure availability as well as stability in the price of the commodity. In spite of cases of insecurity in some parts of the country, he said farmers were committed to meeting the objective of food security.

Abubakar also charged middlemen not to take advantage of the supply gap to hike the price of the grains, even as he assured that farmers would maintain reasonable price. He equally urged the Federal Government to put in place mechanism to protect farmers from market triggered shocks.

My Commitment To Democratic Ideals, Good Governance Total – Buhari

Editorial staff

January 18, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that the commitment of his government to the enthronement of democracy and good governance on the African continent is not negotiable.

Speaking at the Virtual Support Mission and Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Committee of Heads of State and Government participating in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APR Forum) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the on-going Second Peer Review Process, President Buhari said: “as you are aware, the Government of Nigeria has consistently supported the strengthening of democracy and good governance throughout the African continent, including under the umbrella of the African Peer Review Mechanism. We remain fully committed to promoting the good governance practice enshrined in the ideals and vision of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development which gave birth to this review mechanism.

“Nigeria will continue to support Africa’s renewal and rebirth evident in the collective commitment to this review in order to consolidate Africa’s path to healthy Democracy and sustainable growth.”

The President lauded the progress made so far in the “Africa Peer Review Mechanism as a self-monitoring tool to address governance deficit in Africa, as we conform to our shared values in the areas of democracy and political governance, economic governance, corporate governance and socio-economic development.”

The Nigerian leader recalled that Nigeria had the first Peer Review in 2008 and since then, had covered appreciable ground in the implementation of the National Programme of Action.

“Our Administration has continued to vigorously pursue Security, Economic Diversification and Anti-Corruption as the main thrust of national change agenda. The totality of this strategy is premised on the promotion of democracy, respect for the Rule of Law and Human Rights, gender equality and by far the largest investment in social change in Nigeria’s post-independence history.”

He expressed the readiness of his government to submit to the review exercise, saying: “Nigeria is keen to join the league of African Union Member States which will undergo the second peer review exercise.

“This is a firm demonstration of our belief in the dividends of democracy through this unique peer review system. We have learned valuable lessons and gained a wealth of experience in our journey to entrenching democracy and good governance in all manifestations since the restoration to democracy in 1999. We must stay the course and continue on this pathway to a peaceful, secure and more democratic Nigeria.”

The Chairperson of the APRM National Governing Council, Senator Abba Ali said that the benefits of the second review include among others; the invigoration and institutionalization of the APRM process in Nigeria and entrenchment of good governance, as well as appraisal of the extent of implementation of the National Programme of Action in the first review and its continued relevance to consolidate the gains of democracy.

In her welcome remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency (AUDA) – NEPAD/APRM Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, said since the adoption of NEPAD in 2001, and the establishment of the APRM as a self-monitoring tool to consolidate the gains of good governance on the continent in 2003 by African Heads of State and Government, this review under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is the second for Nigeria.

Police Boss Frowns At News Of His Moves To Sell Lagos Officers’ Mess, Says Its False

Editorial staff

January 18, 2021

IGP, Mohammed Adamu | Photo by ChannelsTv

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has frowned at report by some sections of the media that he is making moves to sell-off the Nigeria Police Officers’ Mess located at Onikan, Lagos, describing it as totally false.

A statement today, January 18, by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba (Commissioner of Police), quoted the IGP as cautioning media practitioners to beware of rumour-mongering and desist from activities aimed at disparaging and discrediting well-thought-out projects.

Explaining the circumstances around the officers’ mess in question, the statement said that it was conceived decades ago to cater for the welfare of Police Officers, provide transit accommodation for Officers on transfer or on special assignments and provide a conducive social environment suitable for their relaxation.

“Over time however, the property has degenerated and shown structural defects requiring a massive renovation or outright rebuilding.

“In a bid to restore its lost glory, provide a modern and befitting Officers’ Mess and tackle the defects of the old structure, the Police Management Team took a decision to upgrade the existing Officers’ Mess to a world-class edifice.
“Upon completion, the project which is wholly owned by the Police and financed by the Police would improve the aesthetic value of the Onikan waterline, provide one of the best water view facilities on the Lagos Island and serve to improve social interaction between members of the Police Force and the general public.”

The statement said that the Force initially did not consider it unnecessary to respond “to the deliberate misinformation, falsehood and outright mischief by the authors of the publications, but the need to set the records straight and halt the intended damage to a well-thought-out project necessitated this response.”

Foreign Residents In Nigeria Must Obtain National Identity Number – Minister

Editorial staff

January 18, 2021

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has reminded members of the Diplomatic Corps and other lawful foreign residents in Nigeria that it is mandatory for them to own National Identity Number (NIN).

He said that to this end, a National Identity Number enrolment centre will be opened at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs from tomorrow, January 19, so that members of the Diplomatic Corps can acquire theirs just like every Nigerian is expected to do.

A statement by Dr. Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant on Information Technology to Pantami, quoted the minister as saying that he and his foreign affairs counterpart, Geoffrey Onyeama have concluded to simplify the process of acquiring NIN for diplomats and foreigners.

“The National Identity Number is mandatory for diplomats who will reside in Nigeria for a continuous period of two years or more.

“It is also mandatory for all other lawful residents in the country as stated in Section 16 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007.

“The desk will be set up by Tuesday, 19th of January, 2021.”

The statement said that the NIN registration is crucial for the creation of a good working condition for relevant stakeholders.

“This enrolment centre will provide support for members of the Diplomatic Corps and will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, through the National Identity Management Commission.

“The Law has made it mandatory for Nigerians and legal residents to obtain a NIN since 2007. However, compliance has been low, until recently.

“The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy remains committed to creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their Digital Identity Number.”

Police Sergeant Caught Red-Handed In Armed Robbery

Greenbarge Reporters

January 18, 2021

Operatives of the Elekahia Police Division on Sunday arrested a Police Sergeant, Ibrahim Odege, and one other person ‘involved’ in armed robbery at Elekahia Housing Estate.

A statement by the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Nnmadi Omoni, said that the two suspects were robbing people and dispossessing them of their valuables when they were arrested.

He said that the timely arrival of the police led to the arrest of the two armed robbers whom he said were later identified as Sergeant Ibrahim Odege attached to the Operations Department of the Rivers Police Command and one Sampson Inomoghe from Nembe in Bayelsa State but resides at Rumuokwrushi in Obio/Akpor LGA.

He said that the duo were arrested at the scene of crime with three different handsets belonging to their victims and one locally made Bareta Pistol.

He said one of the victims, Mrs Doris Elechi, identified them as those that robbed her of her Tecno handset, which is one of the exhibits recovered.

He said the suspects confessed to have carried out robbery attacks, among other revelations.

Omoni said that the State Commissioner of Police, Joseph G. Mukan, condemned the act and ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects and exhibits to the State Criminal Investigation Department for Investigation.

He appealed to the public to increase their security consciousness and report any suspicious character and movement around them to the Police.

Source: Daily Trust.

Tony Elumelu Acquires 45 Percent Stake In OML17 Oil And Gas

Editorial staff

January 17, 2021

Tony Elumelu has acquired a 45 percent participating interest in Nigerian oil licence OML 17 and related assets, through TNOG oil and gas limited from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Total E&P Nigeria limited and ENI.

Elumelu’s Heirs Holding is a related company of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp. TNOG Oil and Gas Limited are expected to have sole operatorship of the asset.

The transaction is one of the largest oil and gas financings in Africa in more than a decade, with a financing component of $1.1 billion, provided by a consortium of global and regional banks and investors.

OML 17 has a current production capacity of 27,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and, according to estimates, 2P reserves of 1.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with an additional 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources of further exploration potential.

The investment demonstrates a further important advance in the execution of Heirs Holdings’ integrated energy strategy and the Group’s commitment to Africa’s development, through long term investments that create economic prosperity and social wealth.

Heirs Holdings’ heritage and approach to business fundamentally underscores its commitment to inclusive development and shared prosperity with its host communities. Heirs Holdings is fully invested in the development of the Niger Delta region.

Heirs Holdings’ strategy of creating the leading integrated energy business in Africa is executed through a series of strategic portfolio holdings. Transcorp is one of the largest power producers in Nigeria, with 2,000 MW of installed capacity, through ownership of Transcorp Power Plant and the recent acquisition of Afam Power Plc and Afam Three Fast Power Limited. Transcorp closed the US$300 million Afam acquisitions in November 2020. Transcorp supplies electricity to the Republic of Benin, as part of an emphasis on promoting regional integration and delivering robust power supply to catalyse development in Africa. Transcorp also operates OPL281, under a production sharing contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (“NNPC”). Similarly, Heirs Holdings’ subsidiary, Tenoil is the operator of OPL 2008, under a production sharing contract with NNPC. Tenoil also owns the Ata Marginal Field, which will commence production in Q2, 2021, with 3,500 barrels of oil per day.

Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu said: “we have a very clear vision: creating Africa’s first integrated energy multinational, a global quality business, uniquely focused on Africa and Africa’s energy needs. The acquisition of such a high-quality asset, with significant potential for further growth, is a strong statement of our confidence in Nigeria, the Nigerian oil and gas sector and a tribute to the extremely high-quality management team that we have assembled. As a Nigerian, and more particularly an indigene of the Niger Delta region, I understand well our responsibilities that come with stewardship of the asset, our engagement with communities and the strategic importance of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. We see significant benefits from integrating our production, with our ability to power Nigeria, through Transcorp, and deliver value across the energy value chain.

“I would like to thank Shell, Total and ENI, for the professionalism of the process, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the NNPC for the confidence they have placed in us.”

Speaking on the investment, the President/GCEO of Transcorp, Owen Omogiafo, said “This deal further demonstrates Transcorp’s integrated energy strategy and our determination to power Africa.”

Heirs Holdings was advised by Standard Chartered Plc, as Global Coordinator, and United Capital Plc, with a syndicate of lending institutions including Afreximbank, ABSA, Africa Finance Corporation, Union Bank of Nigeria, Hybrid Capital, and global asset management firm Amundi.

The deal also involves Schlumberger as a technical partner, as well as the trading arm of Shell as an offtaker. Heirs Holdings has created one of Africa’s largest, indigenous owned, oil and gas businesses, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria and led by a board and management team with significant regional and global experience in production, exploration, and value creation in the resources sector.

The HH Group is committed to the highest standards of safety, health, and community relations, together with best practice in governance and accountability.

NNPC Records $120.49 Million Crude Oil Receipt in September

Editorial staff

January 17, 2021

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced a total export receipt for crude oil and gas valued at $120.49 million for the month of September 2020.

A statement today, January 17 by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr. Kennie Obateru, said that the figure is contained in the September 2020 edition of the NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR).

The $120.49 million crude oil and gas export receipt is a 16.28 per cent improvement on the $100.88 million posted in August 2020.

The report showed that out of the figure, proceeds from crude oil amounted to $85.40 million while gas and miscellaneous receipts stood at $25.31 million and $9.78 million respectively.

The September 2020 MFOR also indicated a trading surplus of ₦28.38 billion slightly lower than the ₦29.60 billion surplus in August 2020.

The marginal reduction in surplus, according to the report, was as a result of lower contribution from the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) which recorded zero crude oil lifting from the Okono Okpoho facility during the month due to ongoing repairs.

However, other NNPC subsidiaries namely the Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), National Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO), Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC), Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and NNPC Retail posted impressive trading results recording 268%, 234%, 21%, 422% and 41% trading surpluses respectively over their previous month’s performance.

In the gas sector, a total of 223.82billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas was produced in the month under review translating to an average daily production of 7,460.80million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd).

For the period September 2019 to September 2020, a total of 3,039.05bcf of gas was produced representing an average daily production of 7,730.35mmscfd during the period. Period-to-date production from Joint Ventures (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and NPDC contributed about 69.10%, 20.29% and 10.61% respectively to the total national gas production.

Out of the 221.91bcf of gas supplied in September 2020, a total of 140.45bcf was commercialized, consisting of 36.37bcf and 104.08bcf for the domestic and export markets respectively.

This translates to a total supply of 1,212.17mmscfd of gas to the domestic market and 3,469.45mmscfd of gas supplied to the export market for the month.

This implies that 63.29% of the average daily gas produced was commercialized while the balance of 36.71% was re-injected, used as upstream fuel gas or flared. Gas flare rate was 6.66% for the month under review (i.e. 492.93mmscfd compared with average gas flare rate of 5.84% i.e. 439.90 mmscfd for the period of September 2019 to September 2020).

To ensure effective supply and distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the country, a total of 0.59bn litres of PMS translating to 19.59mn liters/day was supplied for the month in the downstream sector.

During the period under review, 21 pipeline points were vandalized representing about 43% decrease from the 37 points recorded in August 2020.

Of this figure, Mosimi Area accounted for 90% of the vandalized points, while Port Harcourt Area accounted for the remaining 10%. NNPC, in collaboration with the local communities and other stakeholders, continuously strive to reduce and eventually eliminate this menace.

The 62nd edition of the MFOR highlights NNPC’s activities for the period of September 2019 to September 2020.

In line with the Corporation’s commitment of becoming more accountable, transparent and driven by performance excellence, the Corporation has continued to sustain effective communication with stakeholders through the MFOR and other reports published on its website and in national dailies.

We Won’t Recognize Prof Obiozor As President-General Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo – IPOB

Editorial staff

January 16, 2021

File photo: Members of IPOB during protest in Anambra

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has made it clear that its leaders and members will not recognize and work with Professor George Obiozor as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Spokesman of the proscribed body, Emma Powerful, in a statement today, January 16, said that Professor Obiozor was imposed on the Southeast by Fulani Canals running Nigeria.

IPOB alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari and Miyetti Allah were instrumental in Obiozor’s emergence as Ohanaeze President-General.

“We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to state without any ambiguity, that we cannot work together with the newly appointed President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief George Obiozor.

“This is because he was imposed on the Igbo socio-cultural body by the Fulani cabal running the failed state of Nigeria. The Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari and Miyetti Allah were instrumental to the emergence of Obiozor as Ohaneze National President according to our findings.

“IPOB closely monitored the jamboree in the name of election that produced Obiozor as the new Ohanaeze helmsman, critically analyzed the antecedents of those behind his emergence and came to the conclusion that we cannot in all honesty work with him because we are not ideologically compatible. Obiozor may not be entirely evil but those behind him are unrepentant.”

I’m Not Going Anywhere, Wife Of FCMB In Alleged Sex Scandal Vows

Editorial staff

January 16, 2021

Hauwa, wife of the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Adam Nuru, embroiled in sex scandal with a former female staff of the bank, Moyo Thomas (another person’s wife), had vowed not to divorce her husband

In her response to series of publications alleging that she had decided to move out of her matrimonial home in reaction to the scandal, Hauwa said there was no reason for her to seek for divorce or to pack out of her matrimonial home.

In the statement titled: “I’m still with my Beloved Husband,” Hauwa described the publication as “malicious and a deliberate falsehood,” saying that she is still very much with her husband.

She stated: “Following several calls from well-meaning family members and friends over a malicious publication and deliberate falsehood that I have packed out of my matrimonial home, I want to clarify for the avoidance of doubt that I am still very much with my husband.

“This fake news was published by an online newspaper in a calculated attempt to further demonise my beloved husband and a loving father.

“Let me reiterate that at no time did I contemplate leaving my matrimonial home or filing for divorce as no grounds exist for such. I really have no idea where this is coming from.”

She cautioned the media against pushing out unsubstantiated stories, saying, “while I owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have genuinely expressed concern about the fabricated story of moving out of my matrimonial home, let me appeal to the media to abide by the ethics of their profession and avoid the pitfall of rumour mongering and sensational reporting.”

She vowed not to make further comments on the issue which is currently being investigated by her husband’s employers: “There is no truth to the tale whatsoever. I will not be responding to any further comments made by persons who obviously have an agenda whatever it may be.”

For some weeks now, the social media have been awash with allegations that Nuru had an affair with Moyo, a former FCMB employee, fathering two children with her.

It was also said that the alleged paternity fraud resulted in the death of Tunde Thomas, Moyo’s husband.

Mrs. Moyo has since denied that Nuru fathered her kids.

Moyo, who recently broke her silence on the matter, denied allegations of paternity fraud levelled against her.

In her statement, she also denied ever telling her late husband that he was not the father of her children.

The statement read, “I write in reference to all the allegations and accusations that have recently been making the rounds on the internet and various social media platforms. I have refrained from responding to this matter for various reasons, one of which is to preserve the memories of Tunde who departed to be with his maker on December 16, 2020. Memories, not only to me, but to his children, who are still young, and to everybody who had a relationship with him.

“Just like any marriage, Tunde and I had a lot of differences in our marriage, some of which even led to police intervention. But I remain committed to keeping only positive memories of him. No one can ever understand what transpired between us or what each of us experienced in the marriage; like they say, it is he who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches. In all of it, I never for once wished him bad. His untimely and sudden death is still a shock to me as it is to many others.

“On no occasion did I ever tell him he was not the father of our two children. It is therefore deliberate falsehood and certainly malicious to allege and insinuate that I informed him that the children are not his. The children still bear his name. Only God knows why he died in an untimely period. It is not in my place, or anyone’s place to play God and talk with certainty as to the cause of his death, without proven medical facts.

“Despite our separation, we never allowed our differences to affect the relationships we respectively have with the children. He still had conversations with the children like any father will, up until his sudden and unfortunate death. It is quite sad and disheartening to see the pictures of these innocent children splashed all over the internet with very disparaging and weird comments.”

Nuru had volunteered to go on leave to enable the bank investigate the allegations against him.

Source: ThisDay.

NAFDAC Warns Against Fake Coronavirus Vaccine, Says It Can Kill

Editorial staff

January 16, 2021

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the public to be wary of using the fake coronavirus vaccines circulating in Nigeria, saying they can cause COVID-like illnesses and other serious diseases that could kill.

Director General of the agency, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who raised the alarm, also warned government establishments and agencies, as well as private companies and big corporation, against ordering the vaccines without its approval, saying that coronavirus vaccines are new and the side effects or adverse events must be well monitored; hence should not be used by the public.

Adeyeye, while briefing journalists on the safety of the vaccines via Zoom, said companies that manufacture the vaccines know they have to submit their application to NAFDAC if they are genuine, adding that the regulatory agency has not received any application from any manufacturers yet.

“There are reports of fake vaccines in Nigeria and these vaccines can cause COVID-like illnesses or other serious diseases that could kill. No government establishment or agencies, company or corporation should order COVID-19 vaccines without confirming from NAFDAC if the vaccines have been approved.

“COVID-19 vaccines are new and the side effects or adverse events must be well monitored. Therefore, if NAFDAC does not approve, the public should not use,” she insisted.

The Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19 had earlier said that Nigeria would take delivery of the first phase of 100,000 doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of this month, with the Federal Government planning to begin administering of the COVID-19 vaccine on Nigerians before the end of March.

According to the PTF, Nigeria also expects to receive free 42 million doses of vaccines in the second phase through the COVAX facility being administered by the Global Vaccines Alliance (GAVI.)

But reacting to the expected vaccines, Adeyeye said Nigeria would only take delivery and begin administering of the vaccines when NAFDAC gives approval and green light for use, as there are administrative work that needs to be done.

On NAFDAC meeting up with the process of approval before the timeline of delivery by the end of this month, Adeyeye said there are ongoing paper works to ensure the timeline is met, noting that incase there is a delay, it should be ready in a week or two weeks (February).

She said despite approval for the use of the vaccines by the World Health Organisation (WHO), they would not be used in Nigeria, except they are approved by her agency, noting that NAFDAC was discussing with manufactures of candidate COVID-19 vaccines concerning potential Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA), registration or licensing of their product, while assuring applicants that if Phase 3 clinical data are very convincing and robust, with regards to safety and efficacy, and the vaccine has been submitted to WHO for Emergency Use Listing, NAFDAC would welcome the application for EUA in Nigeria.

Adeyeye said the agency would use “Reliance” or “Recognition” to expedite EUA for vaccines already approved by more matured regulatory authorities, adding that the full dossier submitted by the manufacturer or Market Authorisation Holder (MAH) would be thoroughly reviewed by the Vaccine Committee made up of multiple directorates of NAFDAC, which are the Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs, Drug Evaluation and Research, Pharmacovigilance and Post Marketing Surveillance, Drug, Biologics and Vaccines Laboratory Services.

She said safety of the vaccine is premium to NAFDAC hence active pharmacovigilance is being used, adding that the Phase 4 pharmacovigilance is one of the core regulatory activities of the agency.

The NAFDAC boss explained that the agency has been preparing for the vaccines and vaccination since the early phase of the pandemic around April last year, noting that despite the use of “Reliance” for the EUA, it would note clinical peculiarities in form of Serious or Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) in the dossier or application as a guide and caution for what to look out for in each subject after immunisation, that is, during the active pharmacovigilance phase, where monitoring of adverse events would be conducted.

Adeyeye stated that the agency has been training its staff for this very important aspect of the immunization, and has established COVID-19 Vaccine Committee, which has been busy developing the guidelines and guidance, adding that NAFDAC is the first national regulatory agency in Africa to have Guidance on Regulatory Preparedness for EUA, Licensing or Access to COVID-19 Vaccines

She said NAFDAC has initiated multi-stakeholder collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), UNICEF, WHO and the Federal Ministry of Health to use a holistic approach for the effective immunisation or delivery of the vaccines and monitor any AEFI.

Adeyeye added that the agency would also use its recently launched free Med Safety App for Active Pharmacovigilance of the vaccines, in collaboration with sister agencies.

Speaking on tracking and tracing of the vaccines, Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC would use the traceability with GS1 technology to monitor the vaccine distribution, using Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) to prevent fake vaccines from infiltrating the supply chain and ensure there is no diversion.

She said the effort would create a reliable and predictable supply chain, as the multi-stakeholder technical working group has been meeting to address different issues, from access to distribution to traceability (track and trace) of the vaccines to monitoring of adverse events following immunization.

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