Nigeria Allocates ₦21.2 Million for Ebola Preparedness Fund

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the release of ₦21.2 million to states as part of an outbreak investigation response fund aimed at strengthening preparedness against Ebola virus disease, which poses an emerging public health threat. The approval was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and involves disbursing 50 percent of the allocated funds to states to reinforce Nigeria's disease surveillance and emergency response system.

A statement issued on Saturday by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, indicated that this funding complements the work of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness, chaired by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The initiative follows President Bola Tinubu's earlier approval of ₦10 billion in emergency funds to enhance Nigeria's readiness against Ebola threats.

Despite the absence of confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria, public health experts have described these proactive measures as essential for maintaining the country's disease surveillance system.