September 25, (THEWILL) – The British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing has said that statements claiming that COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nigeria are not approved by the UK are completely untrue.
In an official statement issued at the weekend about COVID-19 vaccinations in Nigeria, Laing stated that, “The UK is committed to global access to vaccines, and is among the largest funders to COVAX. The UK has donated 1.2 million vaccines specifically to Nigeria through COVAX and will continue to provide support.”
According to Laing, the UK strongly supports the work of the Nigerian health authorities and Nigeria’s vaccination campaign, and strongly encourages all eligible residents in Nigeria to get vaccinated, adding that “Only once we are all vaccinated can we end the spread of COVID-19” .
Laing further explained in the statement made available to THEWILL, that the UK recognises the Oxford-
Astra Zeneca, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines used in Nigeria, irrespective of where they are manufactured.
Speaking about rules concerning international travel to the UK, the High Commissioner said “The UK is committed to opening up international travel and we are using our COVID-19
vaccination certification process to enable those wishing to enter the UK to do so safely. We know this matters hugely to many people in the UK and in Nigeria; the extensive people-people ties between our two countries are at the heart of our bilateral relationship.”From 4 October, the current system will be simplified. There will be a single red list of countries and territories where stricter rules apply, and there will also be a “rest of the world” list, with simplified travel measures.”
“The “rest of the world” list will include countries currently on the UK’s amber list, such as Nigeria. Travel rules are kept under regular review and people planning to travel to the UK should regularly check the latest information and requirements as set out on the UK government website”, the statement added.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
