Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has intensified efforts to prevent a possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) by activating a high-level communication and diplomatic coordination mechanism, even as it reassures Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case in the country.
This was disclosed at the inaugural meeting of the Communication, Diplomacy and International Engagement Sub-committee of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease, held on Thursday at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Abuja.
The meeting was attended by the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the sub-committee, alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who chairs the committee.
Speaking at the meeting, Idris said the Presidential Task Force was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to proactively coordinate Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.
He emphasized that although Nigeria remains Ebola-free, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has classified the risk of importation as high due to increased regional movement and international travel.
According to him, surveillance systems have been strengthened at all entry points, health facilities placed on high alert, and nationwide preparedness measures intensified.
He added that all public communication regarding Ebola would be evidence-based and scientifically validated by the NCDC to curb misinformation and prevent public panic.
In his remarks, Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended President Tinubu for establishing the task force ahead of any confirmed case, describing the move as a strategic step in preventive diplomacy and crisis management.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to supporting international coordination through sustained engagement with neighbouring countries, global health organisations, and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad.
“Diseases such as Ebola transcend borders. Effective response requires strong international collaboration alongside robust domestic preparedness,” he said.
The meeting brought together representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the NCDC, National Orientation Agency, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors, the World Health Organization, and the Border Communities Development Agency.
Participants identified priority areas such as developing a harmonised national risk communication strategy, coordinating public messaging across government institutions, producing standard information materials, translating health advisories into major Nigerian languages, and strengthening media engagement.
The sub-committee also resolved to adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach by engaging traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, transport unions, market associations, and youth organisations in nationwide awareness campaigns.
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The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to ensure coordinated communication, public enlightenment, and rapid response to misinformation, while urging Nigerians to remain calm, maintain good hygiene practices, and rely on verified information from official sources.
The Federal Government reiterated that there is no cause for panic, assuring citizens of its readiness to safeguard public health.
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