The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against patronising uncertified COVID-19 vaccine from private individuals.

The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire made this known on Monday while speaking during the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19

According to him, the Federal Government was aware of official reports of large scale fraud and counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines already in circulation.

He said the Federal Government was not ready to procure vaccines from private importers, adding that no vaccine would be allowed into Nigeria without being certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“The need to involve the private sector in dispensing vaccines will be studied by the vaccine coordinating committee and NPHCDA, which has the mandate to administer vaccines in Nigeria”, he said.

Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the PTF, urged Nigerians to shun procurement of vaccines from black market.

“We therefore plead for patience and vigilance.

“The multi-sectoral machinery will be deployed to enhance the logistics to the ‘last-mile administration’ processes put in place”, he said.