The National Economic Council (NEC) has advised state governments, health authorities in Nigeria and all stakeholders to ensure they strengthen their level of preparedness against the spread of Ebola disease across the country.
The Council gave the advice in Abuja on Thursday, after it received an update from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, on the reported Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Minister allayed fears of a major public health crisis, assuring members that Nigeria possesses the institutional capacity to contain the situation.
The Minister also briefed NEC on efforts by the health ministry, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to operationalize a robust national response system.
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He identified coordination and governance, detection at points of entry, laboratory testing capacity, logistics for essential kits and personal protective equipment, and effective strategic communication as critical components of the response.
Professor Pate acknowledged the efforts of 21 state governments that had updated their response plans and urged the remaining 15 states to expedite the establishment of appropriate preparedness and response mechanisms.
The Council also received the report of the NEC Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication, chaired by the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, and resolved to direct states to conduct post-campaign reviews, particularly in areas where children were missed during immunization exercises and communities affected by insecurity.
NEC emphasised the need for timely release of counterpart funds, strengthened routine immunization, improved coordination with security agencies and closer cooperation among states to ensure better coverage in subsequent campaigns.
It further stressed that sustained political commitment from Governors, traditional rulers and security agencies would remain critical to achieving the complete eradication of polio in Nigeria.
On livestock development, the Council received the report of its Ad Hoc Committee on Livestock Development, chaired by the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, and acknowledged the sector’s potential to stimulate economic growth, create employment and improve livelihoods across the country.
