FG Inaugurates Ebola Task Force Amid Rising Health Concerns

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed during the inauguration at the State House in Abuja that the initiative was designed to ensure Nigeria remains fully prepared against any possible re-emergence of Ebola, noting that the country currently has no confirmed case.

Gbajabiamila explained that the government was prioritizing preventive measures rather than reactive responses, stressing the importance of early coordination to avoid a repeat of past health emergencies. He added that the objective was to maintain a zero-case status and strengthen national readiness.

He further revealed that the task force has established subcommittees focused on surveillance, border control, immigration monitoring, and emergency response coordination. According to him, lessons from previous outbreaks, particularly the need for stronger intergovernmental collaboration, informed the current strategy.

Representatives from key states including Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory were present at the meeting, alongside relevant federal agencies.

The Chief of Staff also noted that attention had been extended beyond airports to land borders, where informal migration routes pose additional risks. Agencies such as immigration services, border control authorities, and border communities are now integrated into the response framework.

In a separate briefing, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed that surveillance systems have been strengthened across major points of entry nationwide.

Dr. Idris emphasized that while Nigeria has not recorded any Ebola case, preparedness remains critical to ensure rapid detection and response should any case emerge. He stated that existing emergency systems are being upgraded in collaboration with relevant ministries and security agencies.

He reiterated that the overarching goal is to prevent the virus from entering the country, and if it does, to ensure swift identification and containment through a coordinated national response system.

The development comes amid heightened vigilance across parts of Africa over renewed concerns about Ebola outbreaks.