Vaccine hesitancy, mandatory covid-19 vaccination and the right to personal autonomy in Nigeria: A constitutional analysis

Abstract

Since countries began vaccine rollout against the COVID-19 virus, all hands have been on deck to vaccinate as many people as possible, in order to achieve a high vaccine uptake towards herd immunity. Though slow, Nigeria just like other countries, has been vaccinating its citizens. However, the vaccination effort, like similar programmes has continued to encounter the familiar foe of vaccine hesitancy. Where vaccine hesitancy becomes an issue, a likely response is for the government to explore the option of mandatory vaccination, either directly or indirectly, with the goal of compelling citizens to be vaccinated, or suffer some jeopardy. Such a move is bound to touch on core human rights, especially the right to personal autonomy. This article examines the extent to which a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination programme in Nigeria, conflicts with the citizen’s right to determine what should be done to his/her body. It concludes that rather than forcing vaccines on people, a better option is for government to gain the trust of the people, through multi-layered social engagements.