No Nigerian will be shortchanged in COVID-19 vaccination, says Lawan

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has assured Nigerians that no citizen of the country would be shortchanged in the distribution and application of the COVID-19 vaccines when they arrive in the country.

The executive arm of the government has already presented a N400 billion proposal before the National Assembly for the purpose of purchasing the vaccines to be administered free on Nigerians.

Lawan, in his Christmas message on Thursday, said “the National Assembly in consultation with the relevant agencies will ensure due diligence in the procurement and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine when they become available.”

He said, “This would ensure that all Nigerians have equitable access to inoculation against the stubborn virus.”

Lawan, and his colleagues in the upper chamber, in their separate statements, also urged Nigerians, especially Christians to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The senators in their various messages, however, urged Nigerians to endure the situation as the pandemic would soon be a thing of the past.

Lawan, in a statement by his Media adviser, Ola Awoniyi, noted that this year’s celebration comes at a time when the world was combatting the resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the pandemic had forced many countries to ramp up health safety protocols at a time when people traditionally gather to share love in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Lawan, however, expressed confidence that the resilience and positive attitudes of Nigerians would not only help the country to prevail against the challenges.

He said adherence to the non-pharmaceutical protocols would ensure that their strains do not stop a merry and responsible celebration of Christmas in the country.

He said, “I celebrate with the Christian faithful and enjoin all of us to remember the essence of the august occasion.

“Given the fact of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, we should keep our guard up and comply fully with the non-pharmaceutical guidelines that have been put in place by the authorities.”