Ebola Alert: FG Releases ₦21.2m to States to Boost Emergency Response

Ebola Alert: FG Releases ₦21.2m to States to Boost Emergency Response
Prof. Pate directed all beneficiary states to account for both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months
Public health experts have described the proactive steps as crucial to sustaining Nigeria’s disease surveillance architecture

The Federal Government has approved the release of ₦21.2 million to each state under the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) as part of measures to strengthen preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, authorised the disbursement of 50 per cent of the fund allocation to states to enhance disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response mechanisms nationwide.

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In a statement issued on Saturday by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the ministry said the funds would be released through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention gateway under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

According to the ministry, the intervention forms part of a broader strategy to improve Nigeria’s readiness for Ebola and other potential disease outbreaks, despite the country recording no confirmed Ebola cases.

The statement noted that the initiative complements the efforts of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila.

The fund is expected to support states in strengthening surveillance systems, updating preparedness plans, improving rapid response capabilities and building resilience against public health emergencies.

Prof. Pate directed all beneficiary states to account for both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months, stressing the need for strict adherence to financial reporting and accountability procedures.

“This approval reflects our commitment to both health security and accountability. We will continue to support states to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats while ensuring transparency in the use of public resources,” the minister said.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding national health security through sustained investments in disease prevention, preparedness and coordinated emergency response systems.

The latest intervention follows the inauguration of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness, established to ensure Nigeria remains protected against a possible outbreak and avoids a repeat of previous public health emergencies.

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Speaking at the inauguration, Gbajabiamila said the government was prioritising preventive measures over crisis management.

“Nigeria must not be caught off guard. Right now, there is no reported case, and that is good news. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the measures we are taking are preventive and not curative,” he stated.

The approval also comes weeks after Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorised the release of ₦10 billion in emergency intervention funding to boost the country’s preparedness for Ebola and other emerging health threats.

Public health experts have described the proactive steps as crucial to sustaining Nigeria’s disease surveillance architecture and ensuring a swift response in the event of any future outbreak.