BREAKING: Nigeria battles COVID-19 second wave, extends PTF’s mandate to March 2021

Buhari announced PTF mandate extension on Tuesday

As part of efforts to fight the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the Nigerian government has extended the mandate of a task force charged with overseeing the efforts to the end of first quarter of 2021.

President Muhammadu Buhari announced the extension on Tuesday during a visit by members of the Presidential taskforce to the State house to submit the end of the year 2020 report to him.

The president said the decision has been taken because of the spread of a second wave of the Coronavirus.

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According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to lose the gains of the past nine months in the fight against the pandemic.

“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.

“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.

“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,” Buhari said.

The President had established the Task Force on March 9, 2020 and their mandate was initially to end December 31, 2020.