Nigeria's House of Representatives calls for swift release of Ebola emergency funds

Motion presented in parliament On 20 October 2026, health officials confirmed that a woman arriving from Uganda tested positive for Ebola Virus Disease in Abuja. In response, the House of Representatives adopted a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Amobi Ogah, the representative for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi in Abia State. The motion called on the Federal Government to accelerate the disbursement of previously appropriated funds to health agencies tasked with managing the outbreak.

Funding and preparedness concerns Lawmakers highlighted that the delayed release of these funds could hamper critical activities such as surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and the provision of personal protective equipment. They noted that 44 contacts had already been identified and placed under isolation, but warned that shortages of infection‑prevention supplies and limited training among health workers could jeopardise containment efforts. The House also expressed alarm over insufficient public awareness, which it said could facilitate further transmission.

Calls for coordinated action The resolution urged a coordinated response involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, state health ministries and port health authorities. It also stressed the importance of collaboration with the World Health Organization and regional public‑health bodies to ensure a comprehensive approach to the emergency.

Potential impact on the health system Members of parliament warned that any delay in detecting suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating patients and tracing contacts could increase the strain on Nigeria’s already burdened healthcare system. By releasing the earmarked emergency funds promptly, the House aims to bolster the country’s capacity to manage the current case and prevent a wider outbreak.

Next steps The motion, passed during a plenary session, signals a legislative push for immediate action. Health agencies are expected to receive the released funds shortly, enabling them to scale up preparedness measures, reinforce infection‑control protocols and enhance community outreach programmes aimed at reducing the risk of further Ebola transmission in Nigeria.