Reps Urge FG to Release Health Funds, Step Up Ebola Response After Abuja Case

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to strengthen preventive and emergency medical measures against Ebola Virus Disease following the reported confirmation of a case in Abuja.

 

The lawmakers also called for the immediate release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response capacity.

 

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, Amobi Ogah, during plenary on Wednesday.

 

Presenting the motion, Ogah described Ebola as a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that requires prompt detection, effective infection prevention and control, and coordinated public health intervention to prevent transmission and save lives.

 

“It is extremely disturbing that yesterday, October 20, 2026, an Ebola Virus case was confirmed in a woman arriving from Uganda in Abuja who tested positive. Health authorities traced 44 contacts for isolation and further tests,” he said.

 

The lawmaker warned that delays in detecting suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating infected persons, tracing contacts and providing timely medical care could increase the risk of transmission and place additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.

 

He also expressed concern that inadequate public awareness, shortages of infection prevention and control supplies, gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness and limited emergency response capacity could undermine efforts to contain the disease.

 

Ogah highlighted the roles of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, state ministries of health, port health authorities and other stakeholders in strengthening national epidemic preparedness.

 

He also stressed the importance of coordination with the World Health Organisation and other international and regional public health institutions to ensure that Nigeria’s response measures are guided by scientific evidence and international health regulations.

 

Presiding over the plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu led the House in unanimously adopting the motion.

 

The lawmakers called on the Federal Government to immediately mobilise private, state and federal health agencies and place them on high alert to contain the reported outbreak.

 

They further urged the government, through the Ministry of Finance, to release all outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies without delay.

 

According to the House, the funds are needed to support surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and other emergency response measures.

 

The lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to assess the resources required to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response capacity in line with current epidemiological evidence and public health guidance.

 

In addition, the House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions to obtain updates on the Ebola situation and measures being taken to prevent further transmission.

 

The committee is expected to report back to the House for further legislative action.

 

Ebola is a serious viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person showing symptoms, or through contaminated materials. Early detection, prompt isolation, contact tracing and strict infection prevention and control measures are essential to limiting transmission.

 

The reported Abuja case has underscored the importance of coordination among federal and state health authorities, particularly in disease surveillance, public communication and the timely deployment of medical resources.