Tinubu approves N10bn emergency fund for Ebola preparedness

President Bola Tinubu has authorised the release of N10 billion as emergency funding to bolster Nigeria’s readiness against a potential Ebola outbreak, following fresh cases reported in parts of Africa.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the intervention is designed to strengthen national health security systems and enhance rapid response capabilities.

The funds will be used primarily to support the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), reinforcing its operational preparedness for public health emergencies.

In addition, President Tinubu has approved the creation 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 representatives from state governments.

The decision comes amid concerns over Ebola outbreaks recently confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

As part of the heightened measures, border and airport surveillance will be stepped up to prevent the importation of the virus. This includes intensified passenger screening at all international airports, with enhanced temperature checks and crowd-control protocols.

Key agencies involved in the implementation are the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, working alongside state governments and other federal ministries.

Other outlined measures include closer monitoring of passengers arriving from high-risk routes, activation of isolation centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, and a mandatory health declaration system for inbound travellers.

The President has also directed that airport facilities, cargo zones, and baggage areas be regularly disinfected. The task force is mandated to coordinate with security, aviation, and diplomatic agencies to regulate flights from affected regions and designate specific terminals for high-risk arrivals to improve containment procedures.