By Marlikberry

Nigeria reported 16 COVID-19 deaths and 1,368 more infections on Tuesday evening.

The new figures raised the overall count to 148,296, including 1,777 deaths and 124,483 recoveries, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said in an update.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is aiming to start COVID-19 vaccinations in the coming months, with officials having said that the first batch of vaccine doses will arrive by the end of February.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said on Tuesday it will “continually monitor side effects in people who have received COVID-19 vaccines and identify and evaluate new information that arises on the benefits and safety of COVID-19 vaccines promptly.”

The agency said it will “evaluate COVID-19 vaccines against the same high standards as all other vaccines before they can be released for use.”

The Health Ministry earlier said some 80% of COVID-19 patients in the country are asymptomatic but can spread the disease to other people.

It has urged the public to continue wearing masks and follow all safety guidelines.

All travelers entering Nigeria are required to take a COVID-19 test five days before departure.