Buhari extends COVID-19 task Force mandate up to March 2021

The mandate of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has been extended until March 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The spread of a second wave of the Coronavirus is the major reason for Buhari’s decision.

Buhari disclosed this when he received members of the PTF, who were in the State House to submit the end of the year 2020 report to him.

The President made it clear that 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 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.

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“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.