Nigeria will continue with the solidarity trial of chloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said on Tuesday.

This is contrary to the suspension of trial announced on Monday by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a result of “safety concerns”.

According to the international agency, a report published by Lancet, which indicated that more people are dying from the use of the drug, influenced its decision.

But Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said on a television programme on Tuesday:  “There is data to prove that hydroxychloroquine worked for many COVID-19 patients. Therefore, we would continue our own clinical trials in Nigeria.

“Hydroxychloroquine has been proved to work at a mild stage. So the potency depends on the severity of the disease in the patient’s body.

“If medical doctors, research scientists, pharmacists, herbal experts work together, we should conclude the clinical trial in three to four months. The narrative might change afterwards but for now, we believe in hydroxychloroquine.”

During the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 briefing on May 18,  Fiona Braka, the officer in charge of WHO in Nigeria, announced that the solidarity trial had started in Nigeria.

Three days later, Lagos State Health Commissioner Prof Akin Abayomi, said the state had concluded plans to roll out hydroxychloroquine trials for possible prevention and treatment of COVID-19.