Ebola: Federal Government Allocates N21.2 Million per State for Outbreak Response

The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million in outbreak investigation and response funds for each state, aiming to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other public health threats.

This announcement was made by Mr Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, during a briefing to journalists on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Bako, Prof. Mohammed Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, authorized the disbursement of 50 percent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S‑OIRF) allocation.

The funds will be released through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Bako explained that the intervention is part of broader measures to enhance Nigeria’s readiness for Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

He added that the approval complements the federal government’s wider efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response capacities.

The statement noted that these efforts include activities of the multi‑sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats.

Bako said the task force will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The spokesperson highlighted that, although Nigeria has had no confirmed cases of the disease, the government is taking proactive steps to improve preparedness.

He said the approval will enable states to access the resources needed to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response capacities during public health emergencies.

Bala further quoted Pate as directing all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months.

He also emphasized that states must ensure full compliance with established financial management, reporting, and accountability requirements.

“This approval reflects our commitment to both health security and accountability,” the minister said. “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.”

Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding national health security through proactive preparedness, effective coordination, and sustained investments in disease prevention, detection, and response capacities nationwide (NAN).

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