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COVID-19 Vaccine: FG Confirms 8,439 Nigerians Experience Adverse Effects After Vaccination 

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The federal government has confirmed that a total of 8,439 cases of mild, adverse effects occurred over the application of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Nigeria.
The cases, according to the government, came out of over a million persons vaccinated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.
Disclosing this, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA explained that
52 persons suffered moderate to severe adverse events at inoculation.
Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, speaking at a joint press conference with the World Health Organisation, WHO, on Friday in Abuja, said while the mild reactions included body pains nausea, and swelling, the moderate to severe adverse events presented were fever, vomiting, diarrhea headaches, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
He said Kaduna State recorded the highest rate of AEFI with 970 cases, followed by Cross River State with 859 cases, Yobe 541 cases, Kebbi 511 cases while Lagos recorded 448 cases of adverse events.
Dr Shuaib, however, insisted that so far, there has been no case of death or blood clot recorded from the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine vaccination in the country, he maintained that the vaccination rollout in the country has been marked by safety, efficiency, best practice, and speed.
He said: “When incidents, no matter how rare, appear in populations receiving the vaccine, relevant authorities must investigate to determine whether there may be a connection between the medical incident and the vaccine.
“At this stage, different countries are taking different approaches. In Nigeria, since the vaccination program was officially rolled out on 15th of April 2021, a total of 8,439 mild Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) have been reported.
“There has been no death from the administration of the vaccine. We have also not diagnosed any case of blood clots related to the administration of the vaccines.
“Nevertheless, we are working with NAFDAC, NCDC, and other relevant agencies to set up a more active surveillance system built on our experience with polio surveillance.”
Shuaib who disclosed that the challenges encountered in Kogi state have been resolved by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, said 16,900 vaccines have been delivered and the Covid-19 vaccination campaign has been launched in the state.
While noting that inoculation of frontline health workers has been completed in many states and vaccination has proceeded to the elderly particularly those within the age of 65 years and above.
He, however, expressed worry some persons were skipping the eligibility lines to access the vaccines before it got to their turn.
“We are not unaware of attempts by individuals who are not eligible to access the vaccines. With willing accomplices, it will not be surprising that some may succeed.
“When people skip the eligibility lines we have established to access the C-19 Vaccines ahead of frontline health and other workers, then they should ask themselves if it is ethically and morally right to jump the queue ahead of those who need the vaccines the most.
“In anticipation of this, we have deployed structures and personnel to ensure these acts are minimized to the barest minimum. On this note, I wish to commend the Chairmen of the ICPC, the EFCC, and their personnel for the enthusiasm and dedication with which they have joined our quest for vaccine utilization transparency and accountability.”
On the global shortfall of COVID-19 vaccines, the ED noted that Nigeria has reassessed its vaccine supply forecasts and taken the decision that everyone who has taken the vaccine in the current phase would get the second dose before the next consignment was delivered to Nigeria
Commenting on the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 vaccines at Falomo clinic, Lagos State, he said investigations have revealed the reports were inaccurate and do not represent what transpired in the mentioned locations.
“One thing that the PSC and the Lagos State Government are aligned behind, is zero tolerance to diversion of Covid-19 vaccines. The vaccine is free to all Nigerians irrespective of social standing.”
Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Walter Mulombo who raised concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine equity amongst countries, noted that the WHO was working assiduously towards ensuring countries like Nigeria without the means to acquire or manufacture the vaccines have access to the vaccines to immunise their citizenry.
“For Nigeria being among the few countries outside that group, WHO is currently engaging the G7 and G20 to try and increase pressure on those countries hoarding the vaccines so that they will redistribute the vaccines and make them available through the COVAX facility or bilateral agreements to countries that need them the most
“WHO is also engaging the manufacturers for technology transfer so that we can have more sites that will manufacture the vaccines in order to scale up production but we have to recognise that we are facing challenges even within the COVAX facility.”

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NAICOM Issues New Licenses To SanlamAllianz After Merger

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The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) today handed over new licenses to SanlamAllianz Life and General Insurance Nigeria Limited in Abuja.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, emphasised the ccommission’s commitment to supporting the growth of insurance entities in the country, while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements.
He urged the companies to prioritize good corporate governance, stability, and timely claims settlement processes.

The Commissioner reiterated NAICOM’s dedication to removing unnecessary bottlenecks and improving the insurance industry’s overall performance.
He expressed confidence that the merger would enhance the companies’ capabilities and contribute to the industry’s growth.

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Leadway Health HMO Wins Award Again

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Leadway Health HMO has been honoured with the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) of the Year award at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) for the third consecutive year.
This achievement affirms Leadway Health HMO’s position as a consistent leader in delivering innovative, accessible, and customer-focused healthcare solutions across Nigeria. Leadway Health HMO set a new record, one that has never been achieved in the 15-year history of the NHEAwards.
The award, presented in Lagos recently, 2025, celebrates the organisation’s excellence in service delivery, technology integration, unmatched service delivery, and its expanding provider network.
Speaking on this achievement, Chief Executive Officer, Leadway Health HMO, Dr. Tokunbo Alli, stated, “Receiving the HMO of the Year award for the third consecutive year is a deeply meaningful milestone for us at Leadway Health HMO. It is more than an accolade; it is a resounding validation of our commitment to transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.
“In a country where fewer than one in ten people have access to health insurance, we recognise the immense responsibility we carry. Through our investment in digital innovation, operational efficiency, and inclusive health plans, we are not only improving access to quality care but also setting new benchmarks for service excellence within the industry. This recognition reflects the trust our customers place in us and the unwavering dedication of our team and partners who make our vision a reality every day.”
Alli added, “We will continue to scale our hospital partnerships, enhance claims transparency, and leverage technology to deliver even more accessible, affordable, and customer-centric healthcare solutions. This award strengthens our resolve to be at the forefront of Nigeria’s health transformation journey—driving meaningful change, one life at a time.”
Leadway Health HMO’s triple win comes at a time when trust and performance in the HMO sector are under scrutiny. With a growing population, rising healthcare costs, and a national goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the company’s performance positions it as a crucial stakeholder in driving Nigeria’s health transformation agenda.
The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, founded in 2014 by Global Health Project and Resources in collaboration with Anadach Group USA, is the industry’s most respected recognition platform. This year’s edition was themed “Collaborating for Impact: Strengthening Health Systems through the SWAP Approach”, emphasising unified efforts to drive change.

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NAICOM Wants Nationwide Conversation About Power Of Insurance

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By Sola Alabadan

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has enjoined insurance operators to ensure that they ignite a nationwide conversation about the power of insurance as the inaugural edition of Insurance Week holds across the country.

The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive of NAICOM, Olusegun Omosehin who spoke in Lagos on Monday, affirmed that the Insurance Week is designed to raise national awareness about the vital role of insurance in Nigeria’s growth and development.

To truly secure Nigeria’s future, he pointed out that “we must educate the public on the benefits of insurance, develop products that meet the needs of all Nigerians, wnsure prompt and transparent claims processing, as well as invest in talent and technology to drive innovation and trust.

At NAICOM, he said the regulatory body is committed to building a strong, inclusive, and globally respected insurance industry, and has been driving reforms to strengthen consumer protection, promote digital innovation, ensure capital adequacy and sound governance, while expanding access to underserved communities.

On why insurance matters, he stated that “In today’s fast-changing world, risks are everywhere—economic shocks, natural disasters, health crises, and more” adding that these uncertainties can disrupt lives and derail national progress.

“Insurance is our shield. It helps individuals, businesses, and governments manage these risks, recover from losses, and build resilience.
Without insurance, your economy would be more vulnerable, and our people less secure. That’s why this year’s theme, “Insurance for All: Securing Nigeria’s Future,” is both timely and essential” he emphasised.

Omosehin maintained that “The future of Nigeria depends on how well we manage risk. Every decision—whether by individuals, businesses, or government—carries uncertainty. Insurance provides the tools to navigate these uncertainties and protect our collective future.”

The NAICOM boss further urged the nsurance operators to renew their commitment to building an industry that serves the people and supports national development and use every platform—media, schools, communities, and workplaces—to spread the message that insurance is not a luxury; but a necessity.

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