The Federal Government has received cold chain equipment worth $11 million to boost vaccine storage, distribution, and immunisation coverage across Nigeria.
The delivery, supported by Gavi, UNICEF, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), includes 1,653 solar-powered refrigerators, 165 spare-part kits, and temperature monitoring devices.
At the official handover ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the NPHCDA, said the equipment arrived at a crucial time as the country prepares for a nationwide immunisation campaign in October, targeting over 109 million Nigerians aged 0–14 years.
He noted that the devices were carefully selected, backed with 10-year maintenance agreements, and would be distributed across all 36 states and the FCT, with priority for underserved communities and “zero-dose” children who have never received vaccines.
According to the distribution plan, 53% (884 units) will go to states in northern Nigeria, while 47% (769 units) will go to the south.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Chief of Health, Dr. Maharajan Muthu, described cold chain infrastructure as the “backbone” of immunisation programmes, stressing that the equipment would ensure safe vaccine storage, especially in remote areas without stable electricity.
The WHO Acting Country Representative, Dr. Alex Gasasira, also noted that the solar-powered refrigerators would safeguard vaccine quality while promoting sustainability and resilience in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The investment is expected to significantly improve routine immunisation, reduce vaccine wastage, and cut the number of unvaccinated children in Nigeria by 50% by 2028.
