In a decisive move to safeguard the nation against the potential spread of
the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized immediate establishment of Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
Concurrently, the President has approved an emergency intervention funding of N10 billion to bolster Nigeria’s readiness and response capabilities.
The establishment of the task force and the allocation of funds come amidst recent resurgences of Ebola in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
These developments have prompted a proactive stance from the Nigerian
government to prevent any potential importation of the virus.
Strategic Preparedness and Funding Allocation
The N10 billion emergency fund is earmarked to significantly strengthen the operational preparedness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
It will also support critical national public health emergency response activities, ensuring that Nigeria is well-equipped to handle any potential outbreak.
Leadership and Membership of the Task Force
The Presidential Task Force on Ebola will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Its membership will comprise representatives from relevant Ministries,
Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as state representatives, fostering a multisectoral approach to national health security.
Proactive Measures and Stakeholder Collaboration
President Tinubu’s approval followed a crucial stakeholder meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff, which focused on reviewing Nigeria’s preparedness and developing robust strategies against the possible importation of Ebola.
Key stakeholders at this meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Lagos State Government, among others.
Further directives from the President include mandates for all states hosting international airports, border corridors, along with relevant MDAs, to submit their comprehensive plans, funding requirements, and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.
Enhanced Surveillance and Control Measures
The Task Force is charged with implementing a series of stringent measures, including: Intensification of passenger screening at all international airports, featuring enhanced temperature checks and crowd-control protocols.
• Enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving via high-risk airline routes, specifically mentioning Air Uganda, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.
• Immediate activation of referral and isolation centers at Lagos and Abuja
international airports, with plans for other airports to follow suit.
• Mandatory activation of QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration systems for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries.
• Disinfection of departure halls, cargoes, baggage areas, and airport facilities as precautionary environmental measures.
Additionally, the President has mandated the advisory group to consult with the security, diplomatic, and aviation bodies to regulate flights from affected and designated high-risk countries.
The Task Force is also directed to designate specific airports or terminals for highrisk flights to enable controlled screening and isolation procedures, and to consider adjusting flight timings to minimize interaction between high-risk passengers and other travelers.
