FG releases N21.2m per state for Ebola outbreak preparedness
The federal government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds, sending N21.2 million to each of Nigeria’s 36 states to strengthen Ebola and outbreak preparedness. The approval, signed by Coordinating Minister of Health Muhammad Pate, releases half of each state’s S-OIRF allocation through the NCDC Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
Health officials say Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case, but the funds will boost surveillance, rapid response and preparedness systems against Ebola and other emerging threats. States must retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak funds within six months and follow strict financial management, reporting and accountability rules.
The move follows renewed Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, raising cross-border transmission concerns. Authorities plan to increase airport and land border surveillance, activate isolation and referral facilities, and improve coordination among health, aviation and security agencies.
Will you trust your state health officials to use these funds effectively for outbreak readiness, or will you demand more transparency on how the money is spent?