The Federal Government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF), amounting to ₦21.2 million for each state, to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats across Nigeria, while directing beneficiary states to account for both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months.
The approval is part of efforts to boost the country’s readiness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats, despite Nigeria having no confirmed Ebola case.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, authorised the disbursement of 50 per cent of the S-OIRF allocation, amounting to ₦21.2 million for each state, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
The intervention complements broader Federal Government efforts to strengthen national health security, including the work of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
While Nigeria has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, the Federal Government said it is taking proactive steps to ensure states have the resources needed to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response systems before any outbreak occurs.
Speaking on the approval, Prof. Pate said preparedness remains the country’s strongest defence against public health emergencies.
“Preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in protecting public health. 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.”
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s current Ebola-free status should not breed complacency.
“Nigeria has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease at this time, but preparedness cannot wait for an outbreak. Our responsibility is to ensure that every state has the capacity to detect, investigate and respond swiftly to any public health threat before it escalates.”
Prof. Pate, who chairs the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously released outbreak response funds within six months and comply fully with established financial management, reporting and accountability procedures.
He stressed that the release of the funds goes hand in hand with transparency and prudent management of public resources.
“Every naira released for outbreak preparedness must be used for its intended purpose. We expect full compliance with financial management and reporting requirements because accountability is essential to sustaining public trust and ensuring continued investment in health security.”
The Coordinating Minister added that the approval demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen both health security and fiscal responsibility.
“This approval reflects our commitment to both health security and accountability. 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 further assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains committed to building a resilient health system capable of responding to emerging diseases.
“Health security is a shared responsibility. The Federal Government will continue to work closely with states, development partners and relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance systems, improve emergency response and protect the health of every Nigerian.”
He added that the intervention is aimed at preventing outbreaks before they occur rather than responding after lives have been lost.
“Strong surveillance, rapid detection and prompt response remain the pillars of effective outbreak control. By supporting states with timely resources, we are reinforcing Nigeria’s ability to prevent local outbreaks from becoming national emergencies.”
The State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund is a financing mechanism under the NCDC Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund designed to support states in strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and emergency response systems. Beneficiary states are expected to utilise the funds strictly for approved activities and comply fully with all reporting and retirement requirements.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national health security through proactive preparedness, effective coordination and sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and rapid response capacities across the country.