By Omoyeni Ojeifo
In an effort to speed up national preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease and other emerging public health threats, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force and released N10 billion as emergency intervention fund.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu also approved the creation of a coordinated national response structure to strengthen disease surveillance, emergency readiness and rapid containment capacity across the country.
“This government is taking proactive steps to ensure Nigeria is fully prepared against Ebola and any other emerging public health threats,”it stated.
The Task Force will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, with members drawn from relevant federal ministries, agencies and state governments.
“The approval of this intervention fund is to strengthen the capacity of the NCDC and other agencies responsible for disease detection and emergency response,”it said.
The decision follows renewed Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, both neighbouring countries, heightening regional public health concerns.
“We must ensure strict surveillance at all points of entry, especially our airports and land borders, to prevent any possible importation of the virus,” according to the statement.
The President directed all states with international airports and border corridors to submit detailed preparedness plans, funding requirements and operational strategies for federal coordination.
“All relevant agencies must work in full coordination to ensure that our response systems are seamless, efficient and effective,”it added.
Further measures include intensified screening of passengers at international airports, enhanced temperature checks and strict monitoring protocols.
“We are also strengthening surveillance on passengers arriving through high-risk flight routes to ensure early detection and response,”.the statement noted.
The directive also includes immediate activation of isolation and referral centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, with expansion planned for other airports nationwide.
Mandatory QR code-based health declaration systems for passengers from designated high-risk countries will also be enforced, alongside disinfection of airport facilities and cargo areas.
“Nigeria will not take chances with the safety of its citizens, and every necessary measure will be implemented to protect public health,” it stressed.
Persecondnews had reported that the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, also confirmed that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Nigeria at present, reassuring that surveillance systems remain active and alert.