FG Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthen Nigeria’s Ebola Preparedness

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats through enhanced surveillance, coordinated response and effective public communication.

The assurance was given by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the inaugural meeting of the Communications Sub-Committee of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, Idris stressed that effective communication remains one of the country’s strongest weapons in preventing disease outbreaks and safeguarding public health. He noted that providing Nigerians with accurate, timely and science-based information is critical in combating misinformation and maintaining public confidence during health emergencies.

According to the minister, the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that all official information concerning Ebola and other infectious diseases is properly coordinated and based on scientific evidence provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

He explained that the government would continue to speak with one unified voice, relying on the NCDC as Nigeria’s foremost technical authority on disease prevention and control. Idris added that the creation of the Presidential Task Force by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects the administration’s determination to strengthen the nation’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively to any potential public health emergency.

The minister said prevention remains the best approach to disease control, emphasizing that preparing before a crisis occurs is more effective than reacting after an outbreak has already spread.

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As part of its mandate, the Communications Sub-Committee will immediately begin work on a harmonised national risk communication strategy aimed at providing Nigerians with clear, consistent and reliable health information. The strategy will feature standard public health messages, frequently asked questions, rapid-response mechanisms to counter false information, translations into major Nigerian languages and sustained engagement with the media, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Idris noted that the committee’s responsibility extends beyond issuing press releases, saying it must develop a comprehensive communication framework that is transparent, proactive and accessible to every Nigerian regardless of language or location.

He commended the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for its nationwide public awareness campaigns using health messages approved by the NCDC, describing the agency as an important partner in promoting grassroots awareness and encouraging preventive health practices.

The minister also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, media organisations, digital platforms, traditional and religious institutions, schools, transport unions, market associations, youth and women’s groups as well as civil society organisations. According to him, a united approach is essential to ensuring that accurate health information reaches every part of the country.

Idris reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country. He urged citizens to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and continue observing recommended preventive health measures while relying only on updates from official government sources.

He pointed out that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance. Consequently, Nigeria has strengthened surveillance at its international borders and placed health facilities on high alert to prevent the possible importation of the virus.

The minister recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of the Ebola outbreak in 2014, describing it as evidence that strong leadership, coordinated response, effective surveillance and sustained public communication can successfully control public health emergencies.

He expressed confidence that the Presidential Task Force, working alongside the NCDC and other relevant stakeholders, would further strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and reinforce public confidence in the country’s ability to respond effectively to future disease outbreaks.

The Communications, Diplomacy and International Engagement Sub-Committee of the Presidential Task Force is chaired by Mohammed Idris, while the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, serves as Deputy Chairman. Also serving on the committee is the Director of Press Relations and Protocol at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Suleiman Haruna.