Nigeria, Cuba seek collaboration on Covid-19 vaccine

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has assured the Republic of Cuba of Nigeria’s drive to collaborate with it in the production of Coronavirus vaccine.

He stated this while receiving the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Clara Pulido-Escandell in his office, on Monday in Abuja.

A statement issued by the Ministry said Dr. Onu commended Cuban government for their various interventions in health sector especially during the outbreak of Ebola Virus in Nigeria.

In his words, “Nigeria used to produce vaccine in the past, as the country is gradually moving into medium income economy by classification, we need to produce our own indigenous vaccine’’

He reiterated Cuban contributions during the decolonization of African Nations by sending their military to fight for their independence.

Dr. Onu assured the Cuban Ambassador that Nigerian will leverage on the existing relationship between the two Countries in areas of Science, Technology and Innovation for economic and technological development.

Earlier, Ambassador Pulido-Escandell said, she was in the ministry to learn, and share experiences in areas of indigenous discoveries and innovation, in order to assist in building capacities of Scientists.

She further disclosed that her country has already created capacity for the production of over hundred million Corona Virus Vaccines for a population of 11.4million people before the end of the year.