Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The British Large Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, yesterday debunked statements suggesting that the COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nigeria were being not authorized by the British isles.
She added that the assert was “completely untrue” and ought to be disregarded.
The Uk has also moved Nigeria to the “rest of the world” vacation record about the journey rule billed to take impact from October 4, 2021.
In a statement yesterday, Laing reported the British isles approves of vaccines now in use in Nigeria irrespective of the company.
She reported that Nigeria is on the “rest of the world” record, with simplified journey actions.
She mentioned the British isles has so considerably donated 1.2 million vaccines to Nigeria by way of COVAX and will go on to support the country in accessing COVID-19 vaccines.
She inspired all qualified Nigerians to get vaccinated to assist prevent the unfold of the virus.
“The United kingdom is dedicated to world-wide accessibility to vaccines and is among the the biggest funders to COVAX. The United kingdom has donated 1.2 million vaccines specially to Nigeria by means of COVAX and will go on to give help,” Laing claimed.
“The Uk strongly supports the do the job of the Nigerian wellbeing authorities and Nigeria’s vaccination marketing campaign, and strongly encourages all eligible citizens in Nigeria to get vaccinated. Only the moment we are all vaccinated can we conclusion the unfold of COVID-19.
“I would like to emphasise that any statements that COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nigeria are not accredited by the Uk are entirely untrue. The Uk recognises the Oxford-Astra Zeneca, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines used in Nigeria, irrespective of where they are created.”
Speaking about procedures regarding international journey to the Uk, the large commissioner explained the United kingdom is employing the COVID-19 vaccination certification method to make sure people today enter the country safely.
She said from Oct 4 the existing journey method would be simplified and Nigeria which is at the moment on the amber checklist will be additional to the ‘rest of the world’ checklist with simplified travel actions.
“The British isles is committed to opening up worldwide vacation and we are applying our COVID-19 vaccination certification method to help those wishing to enter the British isles to do so safely. We know these issues hugely to several people today in the United kingdom and Nigeria – the comprehensive people-persons ties amongst our two nations are at the heart of our bilateral romance,” she reported.
“From 4 October, the present-day procedure will be simplified. There will be a solitary red list of nations and territories the place stricter procedures apply, and there will also be a ‘rest of the world’ checklist, with simplified vacation steps. The ‘rest of the world’ record will incorporate countries presently on the UK’s amber listing, this kind of as Nigeria.”
It would be recalled that the British isles Transportation Secretary, Grant Shapps, experienced on September 17, 2021, introduced a simplified procedure for intercontinental travel in mild of the achievements of the country’s domestic vaccine rollout that offers increased security for marketplace and travellers.
The British isles proposed to swap the existing website traffic gentle technique with a one purple record of international locations and territories to secure public wellness.
Screening demands would also be minimized for suitable fully vaccinated travellers, who will no more time want to acquire a Pre-Departure Take a look at when travelling to the British isles from 4 a.m. of Oct 4.