FG releases ₦21.2m per state for Ebola outbreak response

The Federal Government has approved the distribution of ₦21.2 million to each state as part of its outbreak investigation and response fund, aimed at bolstering the country's readiness against potential Ebola virus disease threats. The allocation was announced by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with the initial 50 percent of each state's allocation released for immediate deployment.

The funds are channeled through two mechanisms: the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. The resources are intended to support disease surveillance systems and emergency response capacity at the state level, strengthening infrastructure that can detect and manage public health threats across the country.

According to the ministry's statement, the disbursement represents part of a coordinated federal effort to reinforce Nigeria's disease surveillance and outbreak response systems. The initiative operates alongside broader government measures, including activities coordinated by a presidential task force on health threats.

As of the announcement, Nigeria has not reported any confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease. The remaining 50 percent of the allocated funds will be released to states within a six-month period, contingent on how states deploy and account for the initial disbursement.

State health authorities are expected to utilise the resources to strengthen their capacity to investigate disease outbreaks, improve monitoring systems, and prepare response protocols.