PTF cautions against purchase of COVID vaccines from black market

The presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 has cautioned Nigerians against the purchase of uncertified vaccines from the black market.

Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation who serves as the PTF chairman, gave the warning at a media briefing on Monday, in Abuja.

As Nigeria continues to battle COVID-19 which has killed 1,839 persons out of over 152,000 infected as of February 21, there are concerns that citizens might start subscribing to fake vaccines — as was the case with forged test certificates.

Mustapha, however, gave the assurance that Nigeria will get its first supply of approved vaccines “very soon”, with specific reference to the expected four million doses of the AstraZeneca doses.

“The PTF wishes to reassure Nigerians that no stone will be left unturned in the effort to access safe and efficacious vaccines,” the PTF chairman said.

“We, therefore, plead for patience and vigilance. We also plead with Nigerians not to procure uncertified vaccines from the black market.”

Mustapha described the authorisation by the National Agency for Food Drug and Administration Control (NAFDAC) for the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Nigeria as a “game-changer”, but added that people must continue to abide by the provisions of the COVID-19 protocol.

“Vaccines remain critical in the battle, but we must remain well informed because of the intense transmission which is putting enormous pressure on the hospitals, intensive care units, and health workers in our different communities,” he said.

“Let me state that decisions made by leaders and citizens will determine the level of our success in tackling the acute phase.”