The federal government has said Nigeria spends approximately $150 million annually on the procurement of vaccines.
It also disclosed that immunisation coverage is being expanded nationwide, including the rollout of the malaria vaccine to additional states.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) first quarterly media briefing for 2026, the Executive Director of the agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, said a total of 984,559 children have received at least one dose of the malaria vaccine in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.
He added that Ondo State recorded about 166,342 vaccinations, while Bauchi State recorded around 105,890.
Aina said the federal government funds vaccine procurement through budgetary allocations and support from development partners, particularly Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, noting that donor assistance is gradually declining.
He explained that countries are now expected to increase domestic financing as global support reduces.
According to him, vaccine funding covers not only procurement but also outbreak-response vaccines such as cholera, as well as logistics including syringes, waste management systems, incinerators, and cold chain infrastructure.
He also noted that operational costs for nationwide immunisation delivery form a significant part of government spending.
On the malaria vaccine rollout, Aina said Nigeria has expanded the programme from the initial pilot states of Bayelsa and Kebbi to include Bauchi and Ondo, following readiness assessments.
He said the vaccine requires a four-dose schedule, which poses challenges in ensuring full compliance.
“What is unique about the malaria vaccine is that it requires four doses, and ensuring children return for all doses remains a key challenge,” he said.
Aina added that dropouts between doses have prompted the agency to strengthen tracking and follow-up systems.
He disclosed that about 600,000 vaccine doses are currently stored in the national cold chain system.
On administration, he said Bayelsa has recorded about 68,000 doses, Kebbi 153,000, Bauchi 66,000, and Ondo over 7,000 doses.
He further stated that nearly one million children have received at least one dose across the participating states.
Beyond immunisation, Aina said 48,372 women have accessed free maternal health services nationwide, while about 2,497 women have benefited from obstetric fistula repair services coordinated through federal facilities and the National Health Insurance Authority.
He described vaccines as one of the safest and most cost-effective medical interventions available, noting their effectiveness in preventing diseases such as measles.
On accountability, he said the NPHCDA is currently ranked 17th on the integrity index by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
