Tinubu approves N10bn emergency funding for Ebola prevention

President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N10bn in emergency funding to prevent possible Ebola outbreak, following renewed cases recorded in parts of Africa.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the intervention is designed to strengthen national health security systems and enhance rapid response capabilities across the country.

The funding is expected to primarily support the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in coordinating surveillance, prevention, and response efforts.

As part of broader containment measures, Tinubu also approved the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.

The task force will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and will include relevant federal agencies as well as representatives from state governments.

The decision comes amid concerns over recent Ebola outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, prompting Nigeria to intensify border and airport surveillance to reduce the risk of importation.

The statement noted, “The fund will strengthen the operational preparedness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and support critical national public health emergency response activities.”

The statement added that “Intensification of passenger screening at all international airports, including enhanced temperature checks and crowd-control protocols,” will be implemented under the new directive.

Implementation will involve key agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, alongside state governments and other federal ministries.