Tinubu Approves N10bn for Ebola Emergency Response

President Bola Tinubu has established a presidential task force to address the Ebola virus disease outbreak, approving the immediate release of N10 billion for emergency intervention. The outbreak has claimed at least 349 lives across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a public health emergency of international concern.

The task force, chaired by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, includes representatives from relevant ministries and agencies. Tinubu has directed intensified passenger screening at international airports, including enhanced temperature checks and crowd control protocols for flights from high-risk countries such as Uganda and Rwanda.

The task force will implement mandatory health declarations and disinfect airport areas to ensure safety. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, was first confirmed in the DRC's Ituri province on May 15, 2026, with cases rapidly spreading to Uganda by June 7, leading to 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths reported.