The Federal Government on Monday disclosed that it has commenced investigation into alleged incidents of COVID-19 vaccine mismanagement in Lagos and few other vaccination centres across the country.
In his address at the weekly briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 held in Abuja, Director-General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib confirmed that the federal government is currently investigating the incidents.
While announcing that 122,410 persons have so far been inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccines, Shuaib stated that issues of diversion and mismanagement have been reported at some centres including a Police Clinic at Falomo in Lagos.
“This is currently being investigated and we understand from the Lagos State Government that a report would be made available today.
“We anticipate that decisive action will be taken against anyone found culpable of subverting the vaccination process,” he said.
In the last two weeks, unconfirmed reports say health officials in some centres are in the habit of hoarding vaccines.
Some officials are equally accused of attending first to Indians and other foreign nationals at the expense of the citizens.
Shuaib noted that the government has instituted mechanisms to ensure that the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine is free from corrupt practices.
The NPHCDA boss warned that if the reports are found to be true, vaccine mismanagement would be met with appropriate sanctions.
He also declared that there is a collaborative partnership with regulatory and anti-corruption agencies to further strengthen vaccine accountability.
“Any information of vaccine mishandling and mismanagement will be handled using stringent measures and appropriate sanctions,” he said.
He said decisive action will be taken against anyone found culpable of subverting the vaccination process.
