Gavi to Commit $500m to Nigeria’s Vaccination Programmes Over Five Years

Sania Nishtar, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi), says the organisation will commit more than $500 million over the next five years to support vaccination programmes in Nigeria.

Speaking on Friday during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nishtar said despite declining global development assistance, the organisation would maintain its support for Nigeria.

Nishtar said the new funding would help vaccinate an entire generation of children, adding that Gavi had invested $2.4 billion in Nigeria over the past two decades.

“In this environment where there is an overall decline in official development assistance. I have come to let you know that Gavi will continue with its support to Nigeria,” she said.

“Over the next five years, we will be contributing over $500 million towards vaccination campaigns, which will see this partnership vaccinate an entire generation of children in this great country.”

She noted that the reforms introduced by Tinubu’s administration had transformed Nigeria’s health sector and strengthened primary healthcare delivery. 

“You have been an excellent champion for global health,” Nishtar said.

“Under your leadership, your country has seen significant macroeconomic and health sector reforms.

“I’m sure you’re aware that your country has the honour of doing the largest immunisation campaign ever in the world for the first time, reaching out to 102 million children.”

She also credited the administration with increasing utilisation of primary healthcare facilities fourfold and introducing reforms that could double the statutory allocation to primary healthcare from one to two percent.

Nishtar also announced that Gavi had launched a $1.2 billion African vaccine manufacturing accelerator, an initiative inspired partly by discussions with Tinubu during her first visit to Nigeria in 2024.

 On the existing vaccine financing arrangement, she said Gavi currently covers 70 percent of vaccine costs while Nigeria contributes 30 percent, describing the partnership as one of equals rather than charity.

Responding to Nishtar, President Tinubu said vaccine development and immunisation are critical investments in Africa’s future.

“The partnership is cherished, and yes, it’s becoming an election year. I’m going to be seeking a return, so I hope you continue to be our partner,” he said

“So, I had to adjust myself to definitely be able to see you and give you this assurance and to say thank you very much for the commitment to humanity.

“The wonderful job of Gavi and the team is well appreciated, and the programme of acceleration for the production of the vaccines in Nigeria is empowering the continent.”

Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to strengthening immunisation despite global debates surrounding vaccines.