Nigeria, Cuba to partner on vaccine production, biotechnology development —Minister

The Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has said that Nigeria and the Republic of Cuba will join forces for biotechnology development and the production of vaccines and other medicines.

The Minister said this when received the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Clara Polido-Escandell, in his office in Abuja on Monday.

This was disclosed in a press statement titled ‘Nigeria/Cuba to deepen ties on STI development’ distributed on Monday by a member of the ministry’s Press and PR team, Otuyemi Adetayo.

The statement read, “The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has said that Nigeria and the Republic of Cuba will strengthen cooperation in the area of biotechnology development.”

It added, “Onu said that the relationship between both countries will include research in vaccine production, medicine production and development of biotechnological materials. He added that the collaboration will be a mutually beneficial one.”

The minister further praised Cuba for its efforts in the area of COVID-19 vaccine production despite being a small country slammed with international blockade and sanctions, as he assured the Cuban diplomat that Nigeria would continue to be a dependable ally.

He also urged the Organised Private Sector to invest more in STI, as the country has what it takes to be a world power in scientific innovations.