The Nigerian government approved ₦10 billion in June 2026 for Ebola preparedness, more than four months before the country's first confirmed case. According to Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the fund will be used to address not only Ebola but also Lassa fever and other endemic diseases. This clarification comes amid concerns over the utilization of the fund.
The Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats was set up by President Bola Tinubu on June 9, 2026, following a stakeholder meeting that reviewed Nigeria's readiness against the possible importation of Ebola. The NCDC confirmed Nigeria's first imported Ebola case on October 20, 2026. Dr. Idris emphasized that the fund was requested before the confirmed case to strengthen the response to diseases such as Lassa fever.
The NCDC is currently tracking 54 contacts related to the Ebola case, with the index patient having been medically evacuated to Switzerland. Although Nigeria has no active positive Ebola case, the government is providing support, including feeding and accommodation, to those being monitored. Dr. Idris noted that Lassa fever season is approaching, with cases typically rising between November and April.
The ₦10 billion fund will be used to finance various aspects of outbreak control, including the procurement of personal protective equipment, laboratory reagents and consumables, and transportation. It will also cover the costs of surveillance and contact-tracing teams, fuel, and other operational needs under the eight pillars of outbreak control. Additionally, part of the fund will be used to repair damaged treatment and isolation centers across the country.
Dr. Idris rejected claims that the government was using the outbreak for political purposes ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that health officials would not use disease as a political weapon. The NCDC's efforts are focused on addressing the current health threats, including Ebola and Lassa fever. The government has not disclosed how much of the ₦10 billion has been released or spent.
The fund's utilization has become a political talking point, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticizing the government's handling of the fund. The APC presidential campaign council claimed that the money remained untouched, while the NCDC and other agencies used available resources. Dr. Idris's clarification aims to provide transparency on the fund's intended use.
As Nigeria continues to monitor contacts and prepare for upcoming disease seasons, the NCDC is urging states to fund preparedness, particularly for Lassa fever. The government is working to ensure that the country is equipped to handle potential health threats, and the ₦10 billion fund will play a crucial role in these efforts.
Key points
- The Nigerian government approved ₦10 billion in June 2026 to combat Ebola, Lassa fever, and other public health threats.
- The fund will be used to finance various aspects of outbreak control, including procurement of personal protective equipment and laboratory reagents.
- The NCDC is currently tracking 54 contacts related to the Ebola case, with support being provided to those being monitored.
