By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The mandate of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, has been extended.
The extension was granted by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday after a meeting with members of the group, which also includes the Minister of Health, Mr Osagie Ehanire; the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); amongst others.
Mr Buhari, while confirming the extension today, said the COVID-19 PTF have till March 2021 to take charge of the actions against the virus, which has shaken the globe in 2020.
The mandate of the PTF was earlier scheduled to end in December 2020, but with the second wave of the contagion fast-spreading, the President had no choice than to extend it.
“I am extending the mandate of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 till the end of March 2021, bearing in mind the new surge in the number of cases, and the bid for vaccines,” Mr Buhari said.
“Nigeria 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 of the Coronavirus and the attendant fatalities,” he added.
The President noted that, “There is also 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 the year 2021, and it must be carried out through efficient machinery.”
“Now is the time for collective efforts to be intensified. 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.
“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,” he concluded.
