President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N10 billion to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease and other emerging public health threats, following renewed outbreaks in parts of Africa.
The intervention fund is aimed at boosting the capacity of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and enhancing nationwide emergency response systems to prevent any possible importation of the virus into the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the decision follows rising concerns over fresh Ebola outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, which have heightened regional health surveillance efforts.
As part of the response strategy, President Tinubu also approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
The task force will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and will include representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as state governments.
A high-level stakeholder meeting convened under the Chief of Staff had earlier reviewed Nigeria’s readiness and developed coordinated measures to prevent cross-border transmission.
Agencies involved include the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and representatives of the Lagos State Government, alongside other security and health stakeholders.
The President also directed all states with international airports and major border corridors to submit detailed preparedness plans, funding requirements, and intervention needs for coordinated federal support.
According to the directive, additional measures will include intensified passenger screening at international airports, enhanced temperature checks, activation of isolation and referral centres at Lagos and Abuja airports, and strict monitoring of travellers from high-risk countries and airline routes.
The government further mandated the use of QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration systems for passengers from affected regions, as well as environmental disinfection of airport facilities, baggage areas, and cargo terminals.
Tinubu also directed the task force to work with aviation, security, and diplomatic agencies to consider restricting or regulating flights from high-risk countries, while ensuring controlled screening protocols at designated terminals.
The Presidency said the measures are part of proactive steps to safeguard public health and prevent a repeat of past Ebola outbreaks in Nigeria.