TheCable

The federal government has dismissed the speculation that Nigeria is being used as a testing ground for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

On August 1, Nigeria received over four million doses of the Moderna vaccine donated by the US government which is scheduled to be rolled out on August 16.

But there appears to be doubt among some Nigerians concerning the propriety of the vaccine, especially after the rollout date was postponed from August 10.

Speaking during an interview with NAN on Wednesday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, said the Moderna vaccine is safe, and has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and administered globally.

He described the speculation that the country is being made a testing ground and Nigerians as guinea pigs for testing the vaccine as “baseless, unscientific and deliberate attempt to dissuade people from taking it’’.

“Nigerians are extremely futile in imagination. They will make statements that are baseless and not proved by science,” he said.

“Those who are saying this, is Nigeria the only country where Moderna vaccine is being administered?  the answer is No.

“They should stop this nonsense, because this kind of fake news is capable of discouraging people from taking the vaccine.”

Mohammed asked Nigerians not to be dissuaded by the rumour, disinformation and fake news on the vaccines.

He asked Nigerians to come out and take it when the second batch is rolled out on August 16.

“COVID 19 is real and the Delta variant is in Nigeria because we have been witnessing increase in cases due to the variant that we have identified in many states,” he said.

“The variant is very virulent, highly transmissible, and it kills easily and faster.

“The only two ways for Nigerians to protect themselves is by taking the vaccine and observing the non-pharmaceutical protocols.

“If you have taken your dose, don’t think you are free to go about without wearing face mask and attending rallies and parties.

“I sincerely hope that Nigerians will realise that prevention is better than cure.’’