By By Elizabeth Ugbo
ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has established a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and approved N10 billion for emergency response efforts. The announcement came on Tuesday in Abuja following a high-level stakeholder meeting on Nigeria’s readiness against Ebola. The intervention aims to strengthen the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), prevent the importation of the virus, and improve national public health preparedness amid recent outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Tinubu Approves N10 Billion for Ebola Preparedness
President Tinubu approved the immediate release of N10 billion to enhance Nigeria’s emergency health response capacity.
The funding will support the operational preparedness of the NCDC. It will also strengthen critical public health emergency response activities across the country.
Presidential Task Force to Coordinate Response
The President directed the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, will chair the task force. Members will include representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as state governments.
The decision followed a stakeholder meeting chaired by Gbajabiamila to assess Nigeria’s preparedness and develop preventive measures.
Ebola Resurgence Raises Regional Concerns
Recent Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have heightened concerns across Africa.
Consequently, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to prevent the virus from entering Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the preparedness 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.
Enhanced Airport Screening Measures Introduced
The task force will implement stricter screening procedures at international airports.
These measures include enhanced temperature checks and improved crowd-control protocols.
Authorities will also increase monitoring of passengers arriving through high-risk airline routes, including:
- Air Uganda
- RwandAir
- Air Tanzania
- Air Angola
- Kenya Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
Isolation Centres and Health Declaration System Activated
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate activation of referral and isolation centres at the Lagos and Abuja international airports.
Other international airports will follow in phases.
In addition, passengers arriving from or transiting through designated high-risk countries must complete a QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration.
Authorities will also disinfect departure halls, cargo facilities, baggage areas, and airport terminals as a precautionary measure.
States and Agencies Directed to Submit Preparedness Plans
President Tinubu directed all states with international airports and border corridors to submit detailed preparedness plans.
The plans must include funding requirements, intervention needs, and operational strategies.
The Federal Government will review the submissions for coordinated implementation nationwide.
Government Considers Additional Aviation Restrictions
The President instructed the advisory group to engage security, diplomatic, and aviation authorities.
The consultations will help determine appropriate measures for flights arriving from affected countries.
Furthermore, the task force may designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights. Officials may also adjust flight schedules to reduce contact between high-risk passengers and other travellers.
Nigeria Strengthens Defences Against Ebola Threat
The establishment of the task force and release of emergency funding underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting public health.
Through enhanced surveillance, stricter airport screening, and coordinated preparedness efforts, Nigeria aims to prevent any potential Ebola outbreak within its borders.
