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(Protective Gear. Photo Credit: Nigerian Eye)

Nigeria’s Federal Government has launched a Presidential Task Force dedicated to strengthening preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, officially inaugurated the task force in Abuja on Thursday, underscoring the need for proactive measures to avert a potential outbreak reminiscent of the 2014 epidemic.

Gbajabiamila highlighted that the initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to staying ahead of the threat, with substantial groundwork already laid to enhance surveillance and containment strategies.

He reassured the public that no Ebola cases have been detected in the country, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing prevention over reactive measures.

“We cannot afford complacency,” he stated. “Our goal is to ensure Nigeria remains Ebola-free by reinforcing early detection and rapid response mechanisms before any potential outbreak occurs.”

The task force will oversee specialized units focusing on disease surveillance, border security, and emergency coordination, with an expanded focus on land borders and unofficial crossings to address gaps in previous containment efforts.

Gbajabiamila pointed out that collaboration with immigration officials, border agencies, and local communities is critical, given the high volume of cross-border movement.

Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), confirmed that enhanced health screenings are now operational at key entry points nationwide.

He added that the initiative unifies federal, state, and local stakeholders to fortify defenses against the virus and prevent its potential introduction into Nigeria.