The Federal Government has formally transferred the title documents of two government-owned properties in Yaba, Lagos, to Biovaccines Nigeria Limited (BVNL) as part of efforts to accelerate local vaccine production in Nigeria.
The properties form part of the Federal Government’s contribution to its joint venture with May & Baker Nigeria Plc. Under the arrangement, the government holds a 49 per cent stake in BVNL, while May & Baker holds the remaining 51 per cent.
The transfer is expected to provide BVNL with legal ownership of the properties and strengthen the company’s ability to attract the capital, partnerships, technology and infrastructure financing required to develop its vaccine manufacturing capacity.
Speaking during the handover, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, described local vaccine production as an important component of Nigeria’s health security.
He stressed the need for the country to build the capacity to produce essential vaccines domestically, rather than depending heavily on supplies from outside the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, also highlighted the importance of the property transfer, noting that clear legal ownership of the assets would support BVNL’s efforts to attract the investment and partnerships necessary to advance its operations.
The development represents another step towards strengthening Nigeria’s domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity. If the initiative progresses as planned, it could help reduce reliance on imported vaccines, improve preparedness for future health emergencies and strengthen the country’s ability to provide vaccines for its population.
The Federal Government’s move therefore places greater emphasis on turning available public assets and private-sector partnerships into sustainable healthcare infrastructure capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term health needs.
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