Nigeria to receive 4.8m doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the US

Nigeria is set to receive a significant boost in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as the country prepares to welcome 4.8 million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the United States. The arrival of these vaccines comes at a crucial time for the nation, as it looks to resume its vaccination efforts after depleting the initial supply of 4 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine that was received in March. The importance of vaccination in Nigeria's recovery cannot be overstated, as the country grapples with the economic impacts of the crisis. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Dayo Amzat, CEO of Zedcrest Capital, highlighted the significance of vaccination in Nigeria's path to economic revival. Amzat emphasized the need for widespread vaccination to support the return to productivity and normalcy for businesses across the nation. Despite efforts to ramp up vaccination programs, there remains a stigma around vaccination in Africa, leading to lower-than-desired vaccination rates. Amzat urged the government to focus on dispelling myths and encouraging the population to get vaccinated, stressing that a successful vaccination campaign is essential for Nigeria to overcome the crisis. Amzat discussed the various vaccine programs that Nigeria is participating in, including the COVAX initiative and the African Union's scheme to procure vaccines for the continent. While progress has been made, Amzat acknowledged that challenges remain in achieving vaccination targets for the region. With a goal of vaccinating 30% of the African population by the end of the year, concerted efforts are needed to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure widespread coverage. Apart from the COVID-19 vaccination efforts, the interview also delved into the divestment plans of Shell in Nigeria. Amzat shed light on Shell's history in the country as a significant player in the oil industry, producing a substantial portion of Nigeria's oil output. However, recent controversies and legal challenges have prompted Shell to reconsider its presence in onshore assets in Nigeria, with a shift towards offshore, gas, and renewable energy investments. The divestment strategy of selling off entire assets signals a significant change in Shell's approach and reflects broader trends of energy transition and decolonization by global oil giants. The push for divestment in Nigeria underscores the need for the country to adapt its energy strategy in alignment with global shifts towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. As Shell looks to offload its onshore assets and focus on offshore production, the environmental and reputational costs associated with onshore operations have played a key role in shaping this strategic decision. Overall, Nigeria's receipt of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines marks a crucial step in the nation's efforts to combat the pandemic and pave the way for economic recovery. With continued vaccination drives and strategic shifts in the energy sector, Nigeria aims to navigate the challenges posed by the crisis and emerge stronger in the post-pandemic era.