NCDC Confirms Tinubu's ₦10 Billion Fund for Health Threats

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) clarified that the ₦10 billion emergency health intervention fund approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is intended to address various infectious disease threats, not exclusively the Ebola Virus outbreak. Dr Jide Idris, the agency’s Director-General, stated that the fund will bolster Nigeria’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies.

The intervention will support preparedness and response activities for diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera, meningitis, diphtheria, measles, and Mpox. This clarification comes amid concerns regarding the allocation of the emergency funding in light of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease outbreak.

Dr Idris confirmed that the funds were allocated to the NCDC rather than the Presidential Task Force on Ebola. He also noted that the ₦10 billion allocation is insufficient for Nigeria’s health security needs, estimating that implementing the National Action Plan for Health Security 2025–2029 will require approximately ₦522 billion over five years.

He urged for ongoing investment from federal and state governments and development partners.