President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of ₦10 billion as emergency funding to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness against a possible Ebola outbreak, following renewed cases reported in parts of Africa.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the intervention is aimed at strengthening national health security systems and improving rapid response capacity.
The statement noted that the funds will support the operational readiness of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other critical public health emergency response activities.
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“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 said.
As part of the measures, Tinubu also approved the establishment 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 and state representatives.
The move comes amid renewed concerns over Ebola outbreaks reported in countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
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The statement added that Nigeria is stepping up surveillance at airports and border points to prevent any possible importation of the virus.
These measures include intensified passenger screening at international airports, temperature checks, and improved crowd-control protocols.
Other steps include activation of isolation centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, enhanced monitoring of travellers from high-risk routes, and mandatory health declaration systems for inbound passengers.
Government agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority are expected to collaborate with health authorities in implementing the directives.
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Officials also directed regular disinfection of airport facilities, cargo zones, and baggage handling areas as part of preventive measures.
The task force has been mandated to coordinate with security, aviation, and diplomatic agencies, including regulating flights from affected regions where necessary.
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