By Nneka Nwogwugwu

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has approved the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Recall that the vaccine arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency on Twitter, “After undergoing final assessment by NAFDAC, we have confirmation that they have concluded their final checks with positive results.

“Nigeria can now go ahead and use the 3.924m doses of AstraZeneca vaccines.

YesToCOVID19Vaccine.”

Recall that when Nigeria took delivery of the vaccine on Tuesday, samples were handed over to NAFDAC for safety review.

Also, Nigeria on Friday commenced its COVID-19 vaccination as a medical doctor, Dr. Cyprian Nyong, of the National Hospital, Abuja, will receive a jab of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine any moment from now.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, flagged off the exercise on behalf of the President Muhammadu Buhari.

At the exercise on Friday, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, described the moment as a “watershed”.

The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, also said it was crucial “to first cater for those who cater for us”.

The President and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo will, on Saturday, receive shots of the vaccines to dissipate vaccine hesitancy amongst Nigerians.