The Federal Government of Nigeria has set up a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s response system and prevent any potential outbreak.
The task force was inaugurated on Thursday in Abuja by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who said the move was aimed at ensuring early prevention and avoiding a repeat of the 2014 Ebola outbreak experience.
Gbajabiamila explained that although no case has been recorded in the country, the government is prioritising preventive measures rather than waiting to respond to an emergency.
He said the goal is to avoid a situation where authorities are forced into a reactive response, stressing the importance of preparedness and coordination.
According to him, the task force has been structured into specialised teams responsible for disease surveillance, border monitoring, and emergency response coordination.
He also noted that unlike previous efforts that focused mainly on airports, the new approach places greater attention on land borders and informal entry routes due to increased cross-border movement.
Gbajabiamila added that collaboration with immigration authorities, border management agencies, and local communities is central to the new strategy.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, confirmed that surveillance has already been intensified at key entry points across the country.
He said the integrated approach brings together multiple ministries and state agencies to strengthen national preparedness and prevent the virus from entering the country.
