President Bola Ahmed Tinubu don approve the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats as part of efforts to protect Nigeria from a possible Ebola outbreak.
The President also approve the immediate release of N10 billion to strengthen the country’s emergency response system and improve preparedness against Ebola and other public health threats.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the fund go support the activities of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other critical emergency response programmes across the country.
Gbajabiamila to Lead Task Force
The newly established task force go be chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, with members drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as representatives of state governments.
The decision followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Chief of Staff to assess Nigeria’s readiness and develop strategies to prevent the importation of Ebola into the country.
Ebola Resurfaces in East Africa
The Federal Government’s action comes after Ebola cases resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, raising concerns about possible cross-border transmission.
Key stakeholders at the preparedness meeting included officials from the Ministry of Interior, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Lagos State Government and other agencies.
New Measures at Airports and Borders
As part of the emergency plan, the government has directed stricter screening procedures at all international airports across the country.
These measures include enhanced temperature checks, crowd-control protocols and closer monitoring of passengers arriving through high-risk routes.
Airlines identified for special monitoring include Air Uganda, RwandAir, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
The government also ordered the immediate activation of referral and isolation centres at the international airports in Lagos and Abuja, with other airports expected to follow.
QR Health Declaration Now Mandatory
The task force will also introduce mandatory QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration forms for travellers coming from or transiting through designated high-risk countries.
In addition, airport terminals, baggage handling areas, cargo sections and departure halls will undergo regular disinfection as part of preventive measures.
States Ordered to Submit Preparedness Plans
President Tinubu further directed all states with international airports and border corridors to submit their preparedness plans, funding requirements and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.
The task force has also been instructed to work with security, diplomatic and aviation authorities to review and regulate flights from affected countries where necessary.
Authorities may designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights and adjust flight schedules to reduce contact between high-risk passengers and other travellers.
The Federal Government says these proactive measures are aimed at ensuring Nigeria remains fully prepared against any potential Ebola outbreak and other emerging public health threats.
