Ebola: Tinubu’s proactive response shows commitment to Nigerians’ safety – Information Minister

Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, lauded President Bola Tinubu's administration for its commitment to public safety, particularly in establishing a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats. Idris highlighted the president's decision as a demonstration of the government's dedication to protecting citizens through preparedness, coordination, and swift action.

“

Let me assure 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. Our responsibility, therefore, is to remain vigilant while providing accurate information that reassures the public without creating any fear or panic.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Communications, Diplomacy and International Engagement Sub-Committee, Idris announced Tinubu's approval of an immediate N10 billion in emergency intervention funding for the task force. He stressed the importance of proactive measures, stating, "It is always better to prepare ahead of a crisis than to respond after one has already emerged." The minister assured the public that no confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease exist in Nigeria but emphasized the need for continued vigilance due to the transboundary nature of infectious diseases.

“

It is always better to prepare ahead of a crisis than to respond after one has already emerged.

Idris underscored communication as a critical tool in managing public health emergencies, noting that accurate and timely information saves lives and builds public confidence, while misinformation can hinder effective responses. He stated the government's commitment to speaking with a unified voice, guided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Nigeria's successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak serves as a foundation for its current approach.

“

Accurate, timely and science-based information saves lives while misinformation and rumours can undermine public confidence and hinder effective response.

The committee's immediate priorities include developing a harmonized national risk communication strategy, producing standardized public messages, and strengthening efforts against misinformation. Idris emphasized that the strategy must be proactive, transparent, and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of language or location, drawing on lessons learned from the 2014 outbreak.

“

Our responsibility is to ensure that government speaks with one clear and coordinated voice, guided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the country’s technical authority on disease prevention and control.