The Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness, Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats has assured Nigerians that measures are in place to respond to the Ebola outbreak and prevent further transmission.
The Chairman of the Task Force and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Wednesday after an emergency meeting at the State House.
Gbajabiamila said the task force had been working since its inauguration in June to strengthen the country’s preparedness, adding that the measures helped authorities identify the index case.
He disclosed that about 44,000 flights had operated in and out of Nigeria since June, noting that the combined efforts of the Ministry of Health, the task force and other relevant agencies had contributed to the country’s surveillance efforts.
According to him, the infected passenger initially showed no symptoms, which developed four days after her arrival in Abuja. He said established identification procedures and protocols enabled the prompt detection of the infection.
The Chief of Staff assured Nigerians that the task force would strengthen existing measures and ensure stricter enforcement of public health protocols.
He also called for public cooperation, urging citizens to comply with health guidelines, avoid panic and build trust in the response efforts.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said Nigeria had health authorities and relevant agencies, including private healthcare providers, immigration, aviation and interior services, as well as state-level institutions, working together to respond to the outbreak.
Pate added that surveillance systems had been established across the country to support the early detection and management of public health threats.
He urged Nigerians to avoid spreading misinformation and rely on credible information as authorities continue efforts to contain the virus.
