Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s recent actions highlight the administration’s dedication to shielding citizens through strategic planning and swift public health intervention. Idris spoke at the debut meeting of the Communications, Diplomacy and International Engagement Sub-Committee, a branch of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, held in Abuja.
President Tinubu has authorized N10 billion in emergency funding for the task force, which is led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Idris emphasized the importance of pre-emptive measures, noting that while no Ebola cases exist in Nigeria, the nation must remain alert due to regional outbreaks. He stressed that clear, science-backed communication is vital to maintain public trust and prevent panic, noting that the country’s past success in 2014 provides a solid framework for current efforts.
The sub-committee is tasked with creating a unified communication strategy, countering misinformation, and translating health guidelines into local languages. These messages will be rigorously validated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The National Orientation Agency is already rolling out sensitization campaigns across all 774 local government areas to reach diverse community groups.
While the NCDC classifies the risk of importation as high due to reports of over 1,700 cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the government has intensified surveillance at all entry points. The sub-committee includes key members from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Nigeria Guild of Editors, and other relevant professional bodies to ensure a coordinated national response.
