The Federal Republic of Nigeria has on Tuesday received 3.92 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX Facility.

The West African state is among several countries that have procured vaccines in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The first batch of vaccines arrived at the International Airport in Abuja.

The Minister for Health, Dr E. Osagie Ehanire led the delegation in receiving the vaccines.

Also present was the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Abhay Thakur.

Countries that have received vaccines through the COVAX Facility include Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Colombia and Nigeria.

Among the many who have congratulated the Nigerian government for its effort to protect the lives of citizens include Director-General for World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Great news: Arrival of the first batch of vaccines in Abuja, Nigeria. Congratulations COVAX @Gavi @WHO @UNICEF @NphcdaNG @NCDCgov

— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) March 2, 2021

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region, "this first Covid-19 vaccine shipment to Africa's most populous nation marks a huge step towards vaccine equity."

3.92 million #COVID19 vaccine doses from #COVAX have just arrived in Abuja, Nigeria.

This first COVID-19 vaccine shipment to Africa's most populous nation marks a huge step towards #VaccinEquity. Congratulations #Nigeria! pic.twitter.com/BmYcfjcsao

— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) March 2, 2021

Meanwhile, both Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire have commenced vaccination exercises.

Some state leaders including Ghana's President, Nana Akufo-Addo and persons with underlying diseases together with health personnel have been vaccinated.

The Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access, also known as COVAX, is a global initiative aimed at equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines led by Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).