The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of outbreak preparedness funds to states across the federation as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness to respond to Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, and other emerging public health threats.
The approval, granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, authorises the release of 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund, S-OIRF, allocation, amounting to ₦21.2 million for each state.
According to a statement issued by Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the funds will be disbursed through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, Gateway under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF.
The intervention forms part of broader federal efforts to bolster national disease surveillance and emergency response systems.
It also complements the work of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, the government said the decision reflects a proactive strategy to ensure states possess the resources needed to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response mechanisms in the event of a public health emergency.
The ministry described the disbursement as a one-off special measure designed to support states in addressing current public health concerns while reinforcing transparency and prudent management of public resources.
As Chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Prof. Pate directed all beneficiary states to retire both previously released and newly disbursed outbreak response funds within six months, in line with established financial reporting and accountability guidelines.
Emphasising the importance of preparedness, the minister said,
“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.”
He added, “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.”
The State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund is a financing mechanism under the NCDC Gateway of the BHCPF aimed at enhancing disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and emergency response capabilities at the state level.
Beneficiary states are expected to utilise the funds strictly for approved activities and comply fully with reporting, retirement and accountability requirements.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting national health security through sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response, as well as strengthened coordination among relevant stakeholders.
