By George Ozalla
The House of Representatives has called for the immediate release of outstanding funds approved for health agencies and placed federal, state and private health institutions on high alert following confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, during plenary on October 21.
Presenting the motion, Ogah described Ebola Virus Disease as a severe and potentially fatal infection that requires early detection, strict infection prevention measures and coordinated action by health authorities.
“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 told the House.
Ogah warned that delays in identifying suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating infected persons, tracing their contacts and providing timely medical care could increase the risk of transmission and place additional pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He also raised concerns about inadequate public awareness, shortages of infection prevention and control supplies, gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness and limited emergency response capacity.
The House consequently urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance, to release all outstanding appropriated funds to the relevant health agencies without delay. The money is needed to support disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and other emergency measures.
Lawmakers also called for the mobilisation of private, state and federal health institutions to strengthen preparedness and prevent further transmission.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) were asked to assess the funding required to improve Nigeria’s readiness and response in line with current public health evidence.
Ogah’s motion also highlighted the responsibilities of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, state ministries of health, port health authorities and other agencies involved in disease prevention and control. He called for coordination with the World Health Organisation and other international and regional health institutions.
The House mandated the Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions for updates on the case and the measures being taken to prevent further spread, and report back for further legislative action.
