FG Releases Ebola Preparedness Funds to States, Orders Accountability Within Six Months

 

"The approval authorises the release of 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) allocation, amounting to ₦21.2 million per state, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)."

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the disbursement of outbreak preparedness funds to all states as part of intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.

The approval, granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, authorises the release of 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) allocation, amounting to ₦21.2 million per state, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The intervention forms part of broader federal measures aimed at bolstering disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and emergency response systems nationwide. It also complements the work of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, the government said the proactive funding decision was necessary to ensure states possess the resources required to respond swiftly to potential public health emergencies.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Federal Government described the release as a one-time special dispensation designed to strengthen preparedness while maintaining strict oversight of public funds.

However, the Minister directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months, stressing that compliance with financial management, reporting and accountability requirements would be strictly enforced.

“Preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in protecting public health,” Prof. Pate said.

“While it is important that states have timely access to resources needed to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities, it is equally important that public funds are managed responsibly and accounted for in line with established regulations.”

He added that the approval reflects the government’s commitment to balancing health security with transparency and prudent resource management.

“We will continue to support states to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats while ensuring transparency in the use of public resources,” he said.

The State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund serves as a dedicated financing mechanism under the NCDC Gateway of the BHCPF, providing resources for disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and emergency response activities at the state level.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national health security through proactive planning, effective coordination and sustained investment in disease prevention, detection and response systems across the country.