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🛒 تسوق الآنNigeria Launches Ebola Preparedness Push With New Risk Communication Strategy
Nigeria Launches Ebola Preparedness Push With New Risk Communication Strategy
Federal government activates Presidential Task Force communications arm as DRC outbreak raises regional alarm
The Nigerian Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) through a dedicated communications sub-committee under the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness. The move comes as the Democratic Republic of the Congo battles an Ebola outbreak that has heightened vigilance across Africa.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris made the announcement at the inaugural meeting of the Communications Sub-Committee in Abuja on July 10, 2026. The sub-committee is tasked with developing a national risk communication strategy providing Nigerians with consistent, transparent public health information.
Why Communication Is Central to Ebola Prevention
Idris emphasised that effective communication remains one of Nigeria's most important tools for preventing disease outbreaks. He stressed that timely, credible information is essential to combat misinformation, which can spread faster than the virus itself.
"Communication is one of the most powerful tools in managing public health emergencies. Accurate, timely and science-based information saves lives, while misinformation and rumours can undermine public confidence and hinder effective response," Idris said.
All official information regarding Ebola and other infectious diseases will be coordinated through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the country's technical authority on disease control. This ensures the government speaks with one clear, coordinated voice during any health emergency.
Presidential Task Force: A Proactive Approach
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to establish the Presidential Task Force reflects the administration's determination to strengthen Nigeria's capacity to respond swiftly to potential health emergencies before they escalate.
"It is always better to prepare before a crisis than to respond after one has emerged," Idris added, underscoring the preventive philosophy behind the task force.
The sub-committee will develop a comprehensive national risk communication strategy including standardised health messages, rapid response mechanisms to counter misinformation, translation of materials into major Nigerian languages, and sustained engagement with media and communities.
No Confirmed Cases — Vigilance Remains High
Idris reassured Nigerians that there is no confirmed case of Ebola in the country and urged the public to remain calm while observing preventive health measures.
"There is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria; there is no cause for panic. Government is fully prepared and vigilant, and Nigerians should rely only on verified information from official sources," he said.
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo underscores the need for high preparedness. Nigeria has strengthened border surveillance and placed health facilities on alert. The country's successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak demonstrated the value of strong leadership, coordinated response and sustained public communication.
These efforts hold significance for Libya, which faces its own health system challenges. Nigeria's model of coordinated risk communication offers lessons for strengthening health preparedness across African nations.
Multi-Sector Collaboration at the Core
The minister called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, media, digital platforms, traditional and religious leaders, schools, transport unions, market associations, youth and women's groups, and civil society organisations to ensure effective dissemination of health information.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched nationwide awareness campaigns using NCDC-approved health messages, positioning the agency as a key partner in promoting grassroots awareness.
Idris expressed confidence that the Presidential Task Force, working with the NCDC and stakeholders, would strengthen Nigeria's preparedness and reinforce public confidence in responding to future disease outbreaks.
Committee Leadership and Next Steps
The Communications Sub-Committee is chaired by Minister Mohammed Idris, while the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, serves as Deputy Chairman. Dr. Suleiman Haruna, Director of Press Relations at the Ministry of Information, is also a member.
As Africa's most populous nation and a major transit hub, Nigeria's preparedness efforts carry significance beyond its borders. A coordinated, transparent and science-driven communication strategy is the first line of defence against both the virus and the panic that accompanies health emergencies.
— Libya Press / Africa Desk
