The House of Representatives has urged the executive to urgently release all outstanding funds appropriated for health agencies to strengthen Nigeria's response to Ebola, a day after the government confirmed the country's first case of the current outbreak in Abuja. The House adopted the motion at Wednesday's plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Premium Times, Punch and Vanguard reported.
What did the House ask for?
The motion of urgent national importance, sponsored by Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party, Abia, called on the Federal Government to mobilise federal, state and private health agencies and place them on high alert. It specifically urged the government, through the Ministry of Finance, to release outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies for surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and emergency medical response. The House also mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries and agencies for updates on preparedness and response measures.
Where does the outbreak response stand?
Health authorities confirmed on Tuesday that a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda tested positive for Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory and is receiving treatment in isolation at an Abuja hospital. Forty-four close contacts, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts, have been identified for monitoring. The patient has been publicly identified by the BBC as a non-Nigerian woman, and health officials have praised Nigerian authorities for transparent reporting.
What did the Senate do as well?
PM News reported that both chambers weighed in on Wednesday. The Senate called for emergency funding from the service-wide vote, mandatory screening of all international passengers at entry points, adequate funding for the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Port Health Services in the 2027 budget, and replacement of the 1926 Quarantine Act with modern public health legislation aligned with the International Health Regulations of 2005.
Why is funding release the central demand?
Lawmakers warned that inadequate public awareness, insufficient infection prevention supplies, gaps in healthcare workers' preparedness and limited emergency response capacity could undermine containment. Nigeria's public health agencies have historically worked against delayed budget releases, and the House argues that money already appropriated but not released is the fastest lever available as contacts are traced and hospitals prepare.
What should Nigerians know about the risk?
Health authorities say the situation is contained to contact tracing around a single confirmed case, and there is no evidence of community transmission in Nigeria. The Bundibugyo strain behind the regional outbreak is less lethal than the Zaire strain but still serious, and the public is advised to observe hand hygiene, avoid contact with symptomatic travellers from affected areas, and rely on official health updates.
FAQ
Q: Why are Nigerian lawmakers demanding health funds now?
A: Following the confirmed Ebola case in Abuja on October 20, the House urged the Ministry of Finance to release outstanding appropriated funds to health agencies for surveillance and response.
Q: How many contacts are being monitored?
A: Forty-four close contacts, including healthcare workers and travel contacts, per the Health Ministry.
Q: What did the Senate add?
A: Emergency funding from the service-wide vote, mandatory passenger screening at entry points, and replacement of the 1926 Quarantine Act.
Sources: Premium Times (premiumtimesng.com), Punch (punchng.com), Vanguard (vanguardngr.com), PM News (pmnewsnigeria.com), BBC (bbc.com).
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