FG Inaugurates Ebola Preparedness Task Force

The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness against potential outbreaks of the disease.

The inauguration brought together top government officials and international health partners, underscoring growing concern over regional health risks and the need for coordinated emergency response systems.

Present at the event were the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku; World Health Organization Representative and Head of Mission in Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris.

The task force is expected to coordinate national preparedness strategies, strengthen surveillance systems at points of entry, and ensure rapid response in the event of any suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.

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Speaking during the inauguration, government officials emphasized the importance of early detection, inter-agency collaboration, and public awareness in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

The presence of key security, health, and information agencies reflects the government’s multi-sectoral approach to disease prevention and crisis management. Officials noted that past experiences with Ebola in Nigeria have shown the importance of swift coordination between health authorities, airport screening units, and security agencies.

The World Health Organization representative in Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s preparedness efforts, particularly in strengthening laboratory capacity, surveillance, and emergency response systems.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed the need for effective communication to combat misinformation during health emergencies, noting that public trust remains critical in managing outbreaks.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the administration remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring that Nigeria maintains strong surveillance systems at all entry points.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also pledged to intensify monitoring, especially at airports, seaports, and land borders, while training rapid response teams across states.

The inauguration comes amid renewed global concern over the resurgence of viral diseases in some parts of Africa, prompting countries to reinforce their health security frameworks.

Authorities say the task force will immediately begin work on reviewing existing preparedness plans and identifying gaps in Nigeria’s current Ebola response architecture.

The Federal Government reiterated that while no case has been reported in the country, proactive measures remain essential to safeguard public health and prevent any potential outbreak.