COVID-19: Buhari Extends PTF’s Mandate Till March 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the mandate of the Presidential Task Force on the COVID19 Pandemic till March 2021.

This followed the second wave of coronavirus currently ravaging parts of the world.

The task force under the leadership of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, submitted its end of the year 2020 report to the president at the presidential villa, Abuja on Tuesday. The PTF’s mandate was due to have ended in December 2020.

Buhari said, “I am extending the mandate of the Presidential Task Force 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 year 2021, and it must be carried out through an efficient machinery.

“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.”

The President had established the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on March 9, 2020, to coordinate and oversee the government’s efforts to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

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