Reps Demand Urgent Release of Funds to Tackle Ebola Threat in Nigeria
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to urgently release outstanding funds approved for health agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response to Ebola Virus Disease following the confirmation of a case in Abuja.
The lawmakers made the demand on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after adopting a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Amobi Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.
The House called on the Federal Ministry of Finance to release outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to support disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and emergency response operations.
The resolution comes a day after the Federal Government announced the laboratory confirmation of an Ebola case involving a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda.
Lawmakers Call for Stronger Emergency Response
Presenting the motion, Ogah described Ebola as a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that requires prompt detection, isolation of infected persons and coordinated public health intervention.
He warned that delays in identifying suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations and tracing people who may have been exposed could complicate efforts to prevent further transmission.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about possible gaps in public awareness, infection prevention and control supplies, healthcare workers’ preparedness and emergency response capacity.
According to reports of the proceedings, the House called on the Federal Government to mobilise federal, state and private healthcare institutions and place relevant agencies on high alert.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to assess the additional resources needed to improve the country’s preparedness in line with current epidemiological evidence and public health guidance.
Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case in Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed on October 20 that a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda had tested positive for Ebola disease.
According to the ministry, the patient was receiving medical care in isolation at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory.
Health authorities said contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring. Those identified included healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
The government said public health teams were working to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the infection, while surveillance and infection prevention measures were being strengthened.
The ministry also urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain vigilant, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, follow infection prevention and control protocols, and report suspected infections to the relevant public health authorities.
The confirmation of the case has increased pressure on the government to ensure that health agencies have the financial and operational resources needed to respond effectively.
However, the confirmation of one case does not, by itself, establish widespread transmission across Nigeria. The situation will depend on further investigations and updates from health authorities.
NCDC and Health Agencies Face Key Responsibilities
The NCDC is responsible for coordinating national efforts to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease threats, working with state health authorities and other relevant institutions.
During an Ebola response, critical activities include identifying suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, tracing contacts, supporting isolation and treatment arrangements, and ensuring healthcare workers have the necessary protective equipment.
Health authorities may also strengthen surveillance at points of entry and provide guidance to healthcare facilities on how to manage suspected infections safely.
The House’s demand for outstanding funds is intended to support these activities and strengthen the ability of relevant agencies to respond to the current threat.
The lawmakers also stressed the importance of coordination among the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, state ministries of health, port health authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
House Committee to Obtain Updates
As part of its resolution, the House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions to obtain updates on the confirmed case and the measures being taken to prevent further transmission.
The committee is expected to report back to the House for further legislative action.
The oversight process is intended to help lawmakers monitor the government’s response and determine whether additional measures or resources are required.
The resolution does not itself confirm that the requested funds have been released. The Ministry of Finance and the relevant health agencies will need to provide further information on funding and implementation.
Why Timely Funding Matters
Emergency health responses depend on more than policy announcements. Agencies need operational funds, laboratory capacity, trained personnel, protective equipment and effective coordination to identify infections and reduce the risk of further spread.
Delays in financing essential activities can create operational challenges, particularly when health authorities must act quickly to trace contacts and investigate suspected cases.
The House’s demand therefore places attention on the government’s responsibility to ensure that approved resources reach the institutions tasked with protecting public health.
For now, health authorities are continuing their response to the confirmed Abuja case, while lawmakers are seeking assurances that agencies have the resources required to manage the situation.
The next key developments will include official updates on contact tracing, the patient’s condition, any additional confirmed cases and the release of the funds requested by the National Assembly.
Sources: Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Premium Times; Vanguard; Punch Newspapers.
