Dr. Simeon Agwale, a renowned virologist and Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Biotech, says fake news and widespread misinformation about vaccines pose a greater threat to public health than any infectious disease currently confronting Nigeria.
Agwale told journalists on Sunday in Abuja that vaccines remain the most cost-effective, lifesaving intervention known to humanity.
He dismissed claims that vaccines are harmful or part of a plot to depopulate Africa, noting that Nigeria’s rising population contradicts such narratives.
“Let us be practical: show me one person in Nigeria who has never received at least one vaccine,” he said. “For over 30 years, more than 80 per cent of Nigerian children have benefited from routine immunization. If vaccines were designed to harm us, Nigeria would not have a population of over 230 million and growing.”
The virologist said more than 60 per cent of the global population has received at least one vaccine, protecting billions from diseases such as polio, measles, tetanus, hepatitis and COVID-19.
“If vaccines were killing people, the world would be empty by now,” he added.
Agwale also drew attention to the resurgence of measles in the United States, describing it as a direct consequence of vaccine refusal. “That is the real danger of disinformation,” he warned.
He questioned why vaccines are singled out for suspicion in Nigeria when more than 70 per cent of the country’s medicines are imported without similar alarm.
“Even soft drinks like Coca-Cola are imported, yet nobody calls them a depopulation tool,” he said.
Agwale stressed the need to strengthen local vaccine production, build scientific capacity and enhance national health security. According to him, Nigeria must develop a thriving biotechnology and vaccine manufacturing ecosystem to reduce reliance on imports and better protect citizens during outbreaks.
“Instead of spreading misinformation, let us focus on what matters,” he said. “Vaccines save lives — historically, scientifically and practically. Nigeria must take charge of its own health destiny.”
