The Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19 is working for new health protection regulations to strengthen existing COVID-19 protocols across the federation.
The Chairman and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who disclosed this during the body’s briefing yesterday in Abuja, acknowledged that the world was at a critical phase of infections, hence Nigeria needed to constantly review strategies to meet the times, especially risk communication, vaccine hesitancy and fake news/disinformation.
He lamented the level of doubt around the virus, urging Nigerians to support national response.
The SGF expressed the task force’s concern at the rising daily infections in the country, stressing that on January 6, 2021 alone, 1,664 cases were recorded, an all-time high in Nigeria.
He implored sub-nationals to revamp testing and contact tracing in a bid to curb the disease.
Mustapha said it has become embarrassing to note that some Nigerians were presenting fake results when travelling out, adding that the development remained a major source of concern to the Federal Government.
The chairman stated that the PTF had directed private laboratories to immediately put in place measures to validate results and ensure all passengers are registered on the travel portal before handling of samples.
Also speaking, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, disclosed that the most populous black nation was exploring available options to acquire vaccines for the citizens.
“We are confident that Nigeria will benefit from the first wave of the COVAX vaccine allocation. We have therefore begun preparations for readiness to receive the vaccines. This includes appropriate regulatory framework as well as ensuring the availability of assets and infrastructure,” he added.
Represented by the Director, Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi, the minister announced that Nigeria has crossed the one million mark in testing.
