President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria would soon attain the height of a pharmaceutical independent nation among the comity of nations.
He made the disclosure on Friday, nationwide broadcast to mark the country’s 61st independence anniversary.
The President announced that already, the National Sovereign Investment Authority is mobilizing the sum of $200 million for that will help in achieving the dream.
He said: “Similarly, on our approach to food security, I am proud to announce that Nigeria has commenced its journey to pharmaceutical independence. This journey, which will take years to achieve but will ultimately result in Nigerian based companies developing the active pharmaceutical substances and competence need for us to make our own drugs and vaccines.
“Already, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is raising a $200 million fund for this initiative that will complement the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing N85 billion Healthcare Sector Research and Development Intervention Scheme to support local researchers in the development of vaccines, including COVID-19.”
Security
On security, the President noted that following the recruitment of more personnel for the Armed Forces, they are addressing the rising security challenges and winning the war against banditry.
“In the last four months, the gallant men and women of the military and security agencies have made tremendous progress in addressing these new security challenges. We are taking the fight to our enemies from all angles and we are winning. In the North-East region alone, over 8000 boko haram terrorists have surrendered.
“To support our surge approach to fighting banditry, the Nigerian Armed Forces have recruited over 17, 000 personnel across all ranks. Furthermore, I have also approved for the Nigerian Police Force to recruit 10, 000 police officers annually over the next six years,” he said.
The President expressed delight that some of the Air Force platforms acquired by the country have started arriving, adding that “these will positively impact our security operations in all parts of the country.”
President Buhari used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that in line with the provisions of the country’s constitution, the welfare of all citizens will continue to be the prime focus of government.
