The federal government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF) to bolster outbreak preparedness and response activities nationwide. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's readiness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.
Approval and Disbursement Details
The approval was announced on Saturday in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, signed by the Assistant Director of Information & Public Relations, Ado Bako. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, authorized the disbursement of 50 per cent of the S-OIRF allocation, amounting to N21.2 million for each state. Funds will be channeled through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
No Confirmed Ebola Cases in Nigeria
The government confirmed that Nigeria currently has no recorded case of Ebola Virus Disease. However, the funds are intended to ensure states have resources to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response systems for any public health emergency. The approval is a one-time special dispensation to enable states to access critical preparedness funding amid growing concerns about emerging threats.
Accountability Measures for States
As chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Mr. Pate directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months. States must comply fully with established financial management, reporting, and accountability requirements. “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,” Mr. Pate said.
Background and Coordination
The federal government's action follows renewed Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, raising concerns about cross-border transmission. Authorities have announced plans to strengthen surveillance at airports and land borders, activate isolation and referral facilities, and improve coordination among health, aviation, and security agencies. This intervention complements 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, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Government Commitment to Health Security
Mr. Pate emphasized that the approval demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening health security while maintaining accountability. Efforts will continue to support states in improving their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats in a transparent and responsible manner.
