Buhari Extends Mandate of PTF on COVID-19 Till March 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday extended mandate of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 till the end of March 2021.

The extension became imperative due to the new surge in the number of cases, and the bid for vaccines, Buhari revealed.

He maintained that urgent measures have to be taken to halt the spread of the Coronavirus and the attendant fatalities.

The President urges 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.

“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.

“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.