The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has assured the Republic of Cuba of government’s drive to collaborate with them in the production of Corona virus vaccine.
Onu stated this during a visit of the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Clara Pulido-Escandell and her delegation to his office, on Monday in Abuja.
He lauded Cuban government for their various interventions in health sector especially during the outbreak of Ebola virus in Nigeria.
He said, “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.
The Minister assured the Cuban Ambassador that Nigeria will leverage on the existing relationship between the two countries in areas of science, technology and innovation for economic and technological development.
Earlier, Mrs. Pulido-Escandell said she is 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 said 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.
