President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the transition of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 that will continue to provide oversight of Nigeria’s response to the pandemic with effect from April 1, 2021
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha announced the transition at the national media briefing in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He said the President gave the approval after considering the report submitted by the PTF at the end of its one year term.
According to him, the Presidential Steering Committee will work with a modified mandate to reflect the non-emergent status of COVID-19 as a potentially long-term pandemic.
“That the structure of the PSC shall reflect the new focus of the response with a targeted approach on vaccine oversight, risk communication, international travel quarantine processes and sub-national engagement; and That the tenure of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) shall last till 31st December 2021.“ The SGF announced
MODIFICATIONS
The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) would maintain the present constitution, functions and strategies of the PTF; be supported by a slim technical and administrative structure.
“The current National Incident Manager (Dr Mukhtar Mohammed) shall formally take over from the National Coordinator and function as the Head (Technical Secretariat) and member of the PSC;
“A Policy/Leadership Secretariat from the OSGF that will sustain institutional memory and records; and
“A private sector supported Transition Consultant that will sustain the multi-sectoral relations and policy guidance; coordinate the Vaccine Roll out, deployment and administration; improve on the multi-sectoral systems; meet less frequently while maintaining effective communication with Nigerians; monitor and audit ongoing systems, reforms and infrastructure development in the health sector,” he stated.
The PTF expressed its profound gratitude to every individual and organisations that played a part in the National Response.
“It has not been an easy journey, but your companionship and support helped us forge ahead and accomplish these modest successes. Given the developments around the world, we must recognize the fact that the next phase will be challenging, critical and would require extreme vigilance/collaboration.
“Today is an appropriate time to appreciate all our benefactors in this National Response. While I cannot list everyone, mention must however be made of the gallant and heroic print and electronic media personnel, front line medical personnel; security forces; development partners; international community; religious, traditional and community leaders; the youth and labour leaders. Special mention must also be made of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation for supporting the secretariat functions; the organized private sector; CACOVID; the CBN; NNPC & Partners; NSIA; and partner security services; State Governments, the National Assembly and numerous individuals and corporate bodies that sacrificed for the good of humanity,“ the SGF added.
PIAK
