The Federal Government has banned all government officials from embarking on foreign trips as the world continues to battle the COVID-19 epidemic.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, made the declaration on Tuesday after the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Task Force Team on the COVID-19.
He also urged Nigerians coming in from outside the country to self-isolate themselves for 14 days to ensure they do not pose a threat to their immediate environment
The presidential task force according to Mustapha is to monitor the development of COVID- 19 pandemic across the country and around the world.
Mustapha also stated that the composition of the task force would enable Nigeria in its multi-sectoral and intergovernmental approach to the national response.
“Actions taken by governments in different parts of the world point to the fact that COVID -19 constitutes a major threat to humanity and requires that our response must be firm, scientific, methodical and strategic,” he said.
The task force which has six months to do its work, has the following as its terms of reference:
Strengthening the national response strategy, particularly in the areas of testing, containment and management of COVID-19.
Strengthening collaboration with all tiers of Government, private sector, Faith-Based Organisations, civil societies, donors and partners,
Building awareness among the populace, direct the deployment of any relevant national assets when necessary,
Laying a foundation for scientific and medical research to address all emerging infectious diseases and advise government on the declaration of national emergency as part of the containment measures when necessary.
The activities of the task force, which is chaired by the SGF, will be coordinated by Dr. Sani Aliyu, who serves as National Coordinator.
According to the SGF, Aliyu will manage the daily process, in collaboration with existing institutions and structures.
Other members of the task force include: Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health; Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Interior; Sadiya Umar Farouk, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Services.
Others are, Mr. Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education; Lai Muhammed, Minister of Information and Culture; Mr. Adeleke Mamora, Minister of State, Health; Sulaiman Adamu, Minister of Environment.
Also serving in the task force are; Mr. Yusuf Bichi, Director-General, Department of State Services; Mr. Chikwe Thekweazu, Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu