Buhari extends PTF mandate till March 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the mandate of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 till March 2021.

The extension follows the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

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The task force being chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, was constituted in March 2020, following the upsurge of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the country.

President Buhari, who spoke on Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving the End-of-Year Report of the task force, said the step was taken because the country was now facing second wave of infections occurring in other countries across the world.

“Recent reports reaching me indicate that Nigeria is now facing a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide which is similar to the second wave of infections occurring in other countries across the world.

“New epicentres have been identified and the nation cannot afford to lose the gains of the last nine months. I have critically evaluated the situation and remain convinced that urgent measures have to be taken to halt the spread and the attendant fatalities.

COVID-19 Vaccine

“Closely associated with the foregoing is the need to speedily and strategically access and administer the COVID vaccine in a safe, effective and timely manner.

“This is an important obligation that we owe Nigerians as we go into year 2021 and it must be carried out through an efficient machinery.

“Accordingly, I have authorised the following measures for implementation:

“The extension of the mandate of the PTF for a further period till the end of March, 2021 bearing in mind the new surge in the number of cases and the bid for vaccines;

“That the PTF should coordinate the process for planning and the strategy for accessing, delivery and administration of the vaccines using the existing health structures that have worked in the past in vaccine administration;

“Authorised the PTF to engage with the States for them to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.

Details announced

“Details of the advisory measures have already been announced; and authorised the PTF and the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure that all in-bound passengers who failed to show up for post -arrival COVID-19 test are sanctioned within the ambit of the law, for breaching the public health protocols.”

President Buhari added that “the nation is clearly in a perilous situation given the virulent nature of this second wave and we must act decisively to protect our people.

“I therefore urge all sub-national entities, traditional rulers, religious and leaders of thought to collaborate with the PTF by taking up the responsibility for risk communication and community engagement at all levels. Now is the time for collective efforts to be intensified.

“As the festive season approaches, I urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and stay safe. Non-essential trips and large social gatherings should be avoided or shelved completely.”