The Federal Government of Nigeria has Commenced the Construction of the Abuja hub, one of the Three Megastores planned for Abuja, Lagos, and Kano.
This Development aims to Significantly expand the Vaccine Storage Capacity at the National level in Nigeria.
During the Ground-Breaking Ceremony that took place recently, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, highlighted the need for Expanding Storage space due to the Country’s Increasing population and the Introduction of new and essential Vaccines.
He emphasized that having sufficient Storage space is crucial for the efficient Implementation of Nigeria’s Immunization Program.
Ehanire also Acknowledged the Supply chain challenges exposed by the COVID-19 Vaccination effort, which further emphasized the importance of Massive expansion in Storage space to enhance resilience in the System.
To address these Challenges, the Country has undertaken a System Redesign, which includes the Construction of three Megastores at the National level, optimized cold chain equipment Deployment at Health Facilities, an efficient distribution system, and the Deployment of an Electronic logistics management Information System for Improved Supply chain visibility.
The Minister described the Ground-Breaking Ceremony as a significant Milestone in the Journey of System Redesign.
He expressed gratitude to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, for their support in Funding the Construction of two of the three Megastores, Namely, the Abuja and Kano hubs.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Highlighted the Historical lack of Storage space for Vaccines and Injection Materials, which led to an Inefficient Supply chain in the past.
The NPHCDA Management, upon assuming office in 2017, recognized the need for strategic Intervention to address these challenges.
Shuaib mentioned the Strategic system design plan Developed by the Logistics team, with Technical Support from the Gavi Integrated supply chain team.
This plan included the Construction of three Megastores in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, as well as the optimization of cold chain equipment and the Implementation of an efficient Electronic Logistics Management Information System.
Although the plan initially faced Resource constraints, Funding provision for the Lagos Hub was made within a World Bank IDA Credit Facility for Polio Eradication Support.
Construction work has already begun on the Lagos Hub, with the World Bank providing oversight.
The Abuja Hub and Kano Hub are being Funded by the Gavi Alliance as part of the Country’s Health System Strengthening (HSS) support.
Shuaib acknowledged the efforts and Support of various stakeholders, including the Minister of Health, in Facilitating Negotiations and providing the necessary space for the Lagos Hub.
He further mentioned that the procurement processes for the Kano Hub project have Commenced, and Ground-Breaking is expected to take place soon.
The deployment of the electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS) is also progressing as planned.
Shuaib expressed satisfaction with the progress of Nigeria’s Supply Chain system redesign, which has received strong Political Support and assistance from Implementing and Donor Partners.
Overall, the Construction of the Abuja hub and the ongoing system redesign represent significant Milestones in Nigeria’s efforts to Strengthen its Vaccine Storage capacity and Improve the Efficiency of the Immunization Supply chain.
