PTF urges NIMC, MDAs to observe COVID-19 protocols

The Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19 has disclosed that it was in talks with the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC on observation of safety protocols at its registration centres across the country.

The PTF made it clear that all ministries, departments and agencies of government, as well as their chief executives must comply with the protocols established by the task force in carrying out official activities.

Dr Sani Aliyu, the National Coordinator of the PTF, said this while answering a question on the NIMC’s crowded centres, occasioned by the rush to meet the deadline for mobile telecoms subscribers to link their National Identity Number with their Subscriber Identification Module or risk disconnection.

According to Aliyu, “With regard to mass greetings, whether you are a government entity or private sector, all protocol applies across the board. We have been liaising very closely with NIMC; in fact, my phone is probably on fast dial as far as the NIMC DG is concerned.”

He further stated that the challenge the NIMC is having is with the crowds that are outside its premises.

“That challenge definitely needs to be addressed and we have been working with them,” he stated.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the national coordinator noted that compliance with the safety measures is “for our own interest.”

In his speech, the SGF and Chairman, PTF, Boss Mustapha, announced that the President had approved the establishment of at least one new Oxygen plant in each state of the federation, while the existing ones would be made fully functional.

“Efforts are being made to increase the supply of oxygen to our health facilities across the country. Mr President has approved the establishment of at least one new Oxygen plants in each state of the Federation, while the existing ones will be made fully functional.

“It has become embarrassing to note that some Nigerians continue to present fake results when travelling outside the shores of this country. This remains a major source of concern to the Federal Government.

 “The PTF has directed private laboratories to put in place measures to validate results and ensure that all passengers are registered on the travel portal before samples are processed to stop this activity,” Mustapha said.

Mustapha was also worried about the increasing daily numbers of infections, saying as of January 6, 2021, Nigeria recorded 1,664 infections.

He said, “This is yet another all-time high in Nigeria and we must all take full responsibility through compliance and vigilance. It is better to wear a face mask than being on a ventilator.”

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The Director, Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, expressed optimism that Nigeria would benefit from the “first wave” of the COVAX vaccine allocation.

She also announced the commencement of government’s oxygen availability intervention plan.

She said, “The implementation of the oxygen availability intervention plan for all the states plus FCT as approved by the Federal Government has commenced.

“Facilities will be prioritised based on the severity of the gaps identified such as degree of need or the degree of unavailability oxygen determines the first beneficiaries of the intervention.

“Some countries have started rolling out vaccines and Nigeria is exploring all available options to acquire vaccines for our people. We are confident that Nigeria will benefit from the ‘first wave’ of the COVAX vaccine allocation.””