By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
The Federal Government has commissioned a $406,000 Central Cold Chain Store constructed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), following the devastating September 12, 2024 flood that destroyed facilities, equipment, and about 1.5 million doses of vaccines in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during the unveiling of the remodelled store in Maiduguri on Friday.
He noted that the facility was rebuilt to safeguard vaccines for residents across the state and neighbouring areas.
Pate, who was represented by the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, described the newly constructed facility as bigger and better, adding that it now has more space, greater flexibility, and is solar-powered.
He said, “I am here on behalf of the Coordinating Minister, Professor Pate. The last time I was on this property was in September 2024, when the flood occurred. What happened to this store at the time was devastating.
“Together with partners—including the Borno State Government, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my coordinating minister, and other stakeholders—we have restored it bigger, better, and more resilient. You can see that vaccines are now stored upstairs.
“We do not pray for another flood, but the space is now larger, more flexible, and solar-powered. We are very proud of what we have achieved, and I know this will significantly impact our collective goal for the children of Borno and its environs,” he added.
Also speaking, Francis Bitchi, Chief of the UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, said the project cost $406,000 and was funded by the governments of Germany and Canada.
He explained that cold chain stores are the backbone of routine immunisation and vaccination campaigns in the state.
He said, “An investment of approximately $406,000 has transformed this facility into a stronger and more resilient hub for immunisation delivery.
“With funding from the Government of Germany (BMZ/KfW) and CanGive (Government of Canada), and under the leadership of the Borno State Government with UNICEF’s technical support, this facility has been fully renovated and structurally upgraded.”
Bitchi, however, called for continued investment in cold chain maintenance and multimedia facilities for training and coordination.
“Strengthening logistics systems to ensure last-mile delivery, recruitment and retention of health workers—especially in hard-to-reach areas—and the timely release of critical health financing mechanisms, including the Child Nutrition Fund, are essential,” he stressed.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, and other partners to ensure that every child in the state has access to life-saving immunisation and quality primary healthcare services.
