The Nigerian government on Friday received samples of COVID – 19 vaccine from Russia .

Russia ’ s Ambassador to Nigeria , Alexey Shebarshin , delivered the samples to Nigeria ’ s health minister Osagie Ehanire during a visit to Abuja .

Ehanire said the vaccine would be quickly referred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC ) as well as the Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development , amongst other agencies , for review and possible validation .

“ We are exploring all knowledge in terms of therapeutics and vaccines , ” Ehanire said in a statement by the health ministry. “ We are expressing our interest for the COVID19 vaccine so that we will have the opportunity to work elaborately.

Director of the hospital services department in the health ministry Dr Adepimpe Adebiyi said the receipt of the samples is an opportunity for Nigeria to expand in its vaccine production.

Adebiyi stated that Nigeria ’ s technical officers will interphase with the Russian team in order to strengthen the relationship between both countries .

The World Health Organisation had subsequently said it would review the effectiveness of the vaccine since its production.