Rahab Yusuf
The Federal Government (FG) has announced that there are no cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country, with the Presidency inaugurating a new Presidential Task Force for immediate preparedness and response.
In a statement on Thursday, the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the minister, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement in Abuja at the inaugural meeting of the Communication Sub-Committee of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
“Let me reassure Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. However, recent developments elsewhere in Africa remind us that infectious diseases know no borders,” Idris said.
The minister urged citizens to remain calm and rely only on verified sources of information.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Presidential Task Force, describing the move as a proactive step towards protecting Nigerians’ health and well-being through preparedness, coordination, and timely action.
The minister stressed that communication would play a critical role in managing any public health emergency.
“Accurate, timely, and science-based information saves lives, while misinformation and rumours can undermine public confidence and hinder an effective response,” he said.
Idris noted that Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014 was achieved through strong leadership, coordinated action, effective surveillance, and sustained public communication.
He added that the National Orientation Agency had already begun nationwide sensitisation using approved health messages developed in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
“Our message to Nigerians must remain clear: there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria; there is no cause for panic; and the government is fully prepared and vigilant,” the minister said.
He urged citizens to observe good hygiene, promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities, and rely only on verified government information.
