Akor Sylvester, Abuja
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr Muttaqha Darma, has formally handed over the original title documents of two federal government properties in Lagos to Biovaccines Nigeria Limited (BVNL), marking a major step toward domestic vaccine manufacturing.
The documents were presented to Biovaccine Nigeria Limited (BVNL) through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the trustee of the Federal Government interest.
The two properties are: No. 445 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba and No. 1 University Road, Yaba, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said the transfer fulfills the federal government’s equity commitment under the Joint Venture Agreement with May & Baker Nigeria Plc.
“You will recall that the federal government entered into a joint venture partnership with May & Baker to revive local production of vaccines. The partnership created Biovaccines Nigeria Limited as a Special Purpose Vehicle for mass production of vaccines for Nigeria and other West African countries,” he stated.
Under the agreement, the Federal Government holds 49 percent equity in BVNL while May & Baker holds 51 percent. The FG’s contribution consists of two properties: No. 445 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba and No. 1 University Road, Yaba, Lagos.
Engr. Darma noted that localizing vaccine production goes beyond economics.
“The lessons of recent global health crises remain crystal clear. A nation that relies entirely on foreign supply chains for its critical vaccines remains fundamentally vulnerable. Localizing vaccine production is not merely an economic ambition; it is a critical matter of national security,” he said.
With the transfer completed, the Minister urged the Board and Management of BVNL, led by Professor Oyewale Tomori, to translate the milestone into immediate operational progress.
“The expectations of the Nigerian people are high, and time is of the essence,” he added.
The establishment of BVNL is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported vaccines, strengthen health security, and position the country as a regional hub for vaccine production.
Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, described the event as an important administrative and operational milestone in Nigeria’s effort to achieve health sovereignty and local vaccine production.
He noted that the partnership between the federal government and May & Baker Nigeria Plc was established as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to revive vaccine manufacturing in Nigeria.
Belgore emphasized that securing and transferring legal ownership of the properties is essential for BVNL to attract capital investment, international partnerships, technology transfer, and infrastructure financing.
He acknowledged the collaboration of key government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, in completing the title documentation process.
In his remarks, the Executive Officer of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited (BVNL), Prof. Oyewale Tomori, who was full of emotion, commended the Federal Government for the evidence of its equity coming into the scene for the first time, which gives him a double celebration.
He then reaffirmed the commitment of his organization to work towards saving the lives of over 7.8 million children from dying yearly. This is contained in a statement signed by Badamasi Haiba, Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry.
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