House Raises Alarm Over NCDC Funding Amid Ebola Threat

The House of Representatives expressed serious concerns regarding a funding crisis at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the threat of a potential Ebola outbreak looms. Hon. Amobi Ogah emphasized the need for the federal government to provide adequate funding to bolster the country's foremost public health institution and enhance its emergency response mechanisms.

The NCDC has warned that Nigeria's capacity to respond to a possible Ebola outbreak is weakened, particularly given the recent outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ogah highlighted that the NCDC has not received operational funds for 2025, and no capital releases have been made against its approved 2026 budget.

He criticized the situation as grossly inadequate and a violation of established international standards. The federal Ministry of Health reassured that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Nigeria, while the NCDC is intensifying national preparedness measures.