BY Chioma Obinna

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on Wednesday described President Bola Tinubu’s decision to set up a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness as a timely and strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s health security.

Abayomi made the remarks in a post on his X handle (@ProfAkinAvayomi) while reacting to the inauguration of the committee at the State House, Abuja, on June 17, amid growing concerns over the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

According to him, the decision by President Tinubu to establish the task force was in order as it reinforces the country’s preparedness framework against possible importation of the virus.

“The establishment of this committee is timely and strategic. Preparedness is always the first line of defence in public health emergencies, and Mr President has demonstrated leadership by acting early,” Abayomi wrote on X.

The task force, chaired by Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and coordinated by the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, is expected to coordinate national preparedness, strengthen surveillance systems, prevent Ebola importation and ensure rapid response to emerging public health threats.

Abayomi noted that Lagos remains central to Nigeria’s preparedness efforts, given its strategic position as the country’s main international gateway.

He said over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s international passenger traffic passes through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, making the state particularly vulnerable to imported infectious diseases.

“Lagos remains at the frontline of national health security. Strengthening surveillance at our airports, seaports and border points is critical to preventing disease importation and protecting lives,” he stated.

The commissioner said the state would continue to intensify preventive measures under Operation Lagos BioShield, including passenger monitoring, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns.

He added that Lagos’ experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak, as well as managing COVID-19, cholera, Lassa fever and diphtheria, has significantly strengthened its public health response systems.

Although there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria, Abayomi stressed that vigilance and early action remain the country’s strongest defence against any emerging threat.

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