Covid-19

Articles  ·  Publications
All You Need to Know About the COVID-19 AstraZeneca Vaccine

As of December 2020, there are over 200 vaccine candidates for COVID-19 being developed. Of these, at least 52 candidate vaccines are in human trials.

COVID-19 Vaccines

The best COVID-19 vaccine is the first one that is available to you. Do not wait for a specific brand. All currently authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines are safe, are effective, and reduce your risk of severe illness.

The AstraZeneca Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is a vaccine used to protect people aged 18 years and older.

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca stimulates the body’s natural defences (immune system). It causes the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus. 

This will help to protect you against COVID-19 in the future. None of the ingredients in this vaccine can cause COVID-19.

How Efficacious is the Vaccine?

The EU medicines agency (EMA), EMA has thoroughly assessed the data on the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for people aged 18 and above. The AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 has an efficacy of 63.09% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longer dose intervals within the 8 to 12 weeks range are associated with greater vaccine efficacy.

Does the Vaccine Prevent Infection & Transmission?

There is no substantive data available related to impact of ADZ1222 on transmission or viral shedding. In the meantime, we must maintain and strengthen public health measures that work, namely, masking, physical distancing handwashing, respiratory and cough hygiene, avoiding crowds and ensuring good ventilation. As of 19 April 2021, the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective at protecting people from the extremely serious risks of COVID-19, including death, hospitalization and severe disease (WHO, 2021).

Concerns about the AstraZeneca Vaccine

The EU medicines agency (EMA) has said clotting should be listed as a rare vaccine side effect. After a study looking at 86 such cases in the EU, the EMA concluded the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risk and that there was no definite causal link.

Warning and Precautions

Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before you get vaccinated if:

  • You have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any other vaccine injection.
  • You currently have a severe infection with a high temperature (over 38°C).

However, a mild fever or infection, like a cold, are not reasons to delay vaccination.

Articles  ·  Events
Public Hearing on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) organized a two-day public hearing on the PIB on 27th and 28th January 2021. The public hearing which was attended by industry stakeholders including NNPC, OPTS, state governments, host communities, GACN, etc. sought to address lingering issues in the oil and gas industry.

The Bill seeks to create governing institutions with clear and separate roles to promote transparency, good governance and accountability in the administration of Nigeria’s petroleum resources. The Bill also seeks to establish a framework for the creation of a self-financing Domestic Gas Aggregator. In contemplation of the role of the Aggregator for the stimulation of the growth of the domestic gas market under the PIB, GACN like other stakeholders submitted and adopted its memorandum at the public hearing.

The PIB promises to enhance the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, modernize our fiscal system, encourage competitiveness and create harmony for all stakeholders.

Articles  ·  Publications
Security Tips For The New Year 2021

  1. Keep abreast of daily national news update via radio, print, or electronic media;

There have been several reports of armed banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna; herdsmen/farmers clash in North East and North East; South West Governors ultimatum to Miyetti Allah; Arewa Consultative Forum’s warning to South West Governors on verbal attacks and threats on herdsmen, abduction of passengers by suspected Fulani herdsmen along Lagos-Benin-Ore road and recent attacks on lone joggers on the bridge in the early hours of the morning in Lagos. Before you embark on any journey, please check security reports of your intended destination. Ensure proper journey management and avoid unnecessary inter-state trips. Additionally, you may wish to subscribe to news alerts.

  1. Avoid late-night movements;

It is advisable to conclude all journeys before 8pm. This is not the season to attend overnight concerts or social events. Also, ensure to have adequate means of identification on you at all times. Inform family members of your intended movements and call to update them, if you experience any unexpected delays, change in plans, or emergencies.

  1. Adhere to existing curfews;

Be informed of the state-wide curfews imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are unavoidably outdoors beyond the curfew, please cooperate with Policemen at check-points when stopped and interrogated. 

  1. Avoid ostentatious behavior;

Dress modestly, avoid public display of wealth and carrying large sums of cash, utilize the alternative electronic modes of payment and banking platforms.

  1. Restrict detailed personal conversations whilst outside the home;

It is also advisable to avoid having loud telephone conversations about personal details such as finance, business transactions, or travel plans whilst in public. If necessary, reduce your voice pitch or delay such conversations until you have privacy.

In conclusion, PLEASE STAY SITUATIONALLY AWARE AND SAFE!!!!!!!!!

Articles  ·  Publications
COVID-19 Mitigation Steps

The discovery of the new strain of COVID-19 and the resurgence of severe cases of the virus calls for urgent action by all to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus. Below are useful recommendations on staying safe this period:

  • Stay at home as often as you can and avoid crowded spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Educate your children on how to avoid getting infected in school. Remind them to ensure they have their face masks worn at all times while in school and avoid sharing food or drinks with classmates.
  • Avoid close contact with persons from diaspora as much as practicable.
  • Take your vitamins – Zinc, Vitamin C and Iron daily to boost your immune system.
  • Use your face masks, wash your hands with soap and water and observe social distancing.
  • Adhere to other WHO (www.who.int) and NCDC (www.ncdc.gov.ng) guidelines.