Tinubu approves N10bn emergency funding for Ebola response

President Bola Tinubu has allocated N10 billion in emergency funding to bolster Nigeria's defenses against a potential Ebola outbreak, responding to recent cases reported across Africa. The intervention aims to strengthen the nation's health security systems and improve its rapid response capabilities.

The funding will primarily bolster the operational preparedness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical public health emergency response activities. In a significant move to coordinate efforts, President Tinubu also approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats. This task force will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and will comprise relevant federal agencies and state representatives.

This proactive measure follows concerns over recent Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Nigeria is stepping up surveillance at its borders and airports to prevent the virus's importation. This includes intensifying passenger screening, enhancing temperature checks, and implementing crowd-control protocols at all international airports.

Key agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, will collaborate with state governments and other federal ministries to implement these measures. Enhanced monitoring of passengers from high-risk routes, activation of isolation centers at Lagos and Abuja international airports, and mandatory health declaration systems for inbound travelers are also part of the directive. Airport facilities, cargo zones, and baggage areas will undergo regular disinfection as preventive measures.