FG Unveils Rebuilt UNICEF Vaccine Store in Maiduguri After 2024 Flood Damage

The Federal Government has commissioned a rebuilt Central Cold Chain store in Maiduguri, Borno State, after the September 12, 2024 flood destroyed vaccine infrastructure and affected 1.5 million doses in the area.

At the unveiling on Friday, the government said the renewed facility was designed to improve vaccine safety and continuity of immunisation services for residents of Borno and nearby communities. The project was delivered with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and funded at about $406,000.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, spoke through the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina. He said the rebuilt store now offers stronger flood resilience, larger storage space and solar-powered capacity.

Aina said the new layout reflects lessons from the disaster that hit the same site in 2024. He said vaccines are now stored upstairs as part of risk reduction planning and added that the upgraded design would help the health system maintain cold chain operations during emergencies.

He said the restoration was made possible through collaboration among the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, development partners and public health agencies. According to him, the result is a facility that is bigger, more flexible and better prepared to protect temperature-sensitive vaccines.

UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office Chief, Francis Bitchi, said the investment came through support from the Government of Germany (BMZ/KfW) and CanGive, backed by the Government of Canada. He said the work included full renovation and structural upgrades to improve durability and reliability.

Bitchi described the cold chain store as central to routine immunisation and vaccination campaigns in Borno State. He said stronger storage and handling systems are necessary to protect vaccine quality and keep outreach programmes running, especially in communities that depend on public primary health services.

He called for sustained support in key areas, including cold chain maintenance, logistics for last-mile delivery, and multimedia facilities for health worker training and coordination. He also urged faster release of critical health financing mechanisms, including the Child Nutrition Fund, to maintain gains in child health outcomes.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with the Federal Government, Borno State authorities and other partners to expand access to life-saving immunisation and quality primary health care services for children and families across the state.