Nigeria's House of Representatives has demanded that the Federal Government immediately release outstanding appropriated funds to health agencies following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease case in Abuja. During a plenary session on Wednesday, lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion of urgent public importance on the matter, calling on the government to strengthen preventive and emergency medical measures against the spread of the disease.
The motion was sponsored by Amobi Ogah, member representing Isuikwato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State. According to Ogah, a woman arriving from Uganda tested positive for Ebola on October 20, 2026 in Abuja. Health authorities traced 44 contacts for isolation and further tests. Ogah warned that delays in detecting suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating infected persons, tracing contacts and providing timely medical care could increase transmission risk and place additional pressure on the country's healthcare system.
Lawmakers expressed concern about multiple gaps in the country's response capacity. According to Ogah, 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. The House called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to assess the funding required to strengthen Nigeria's preparedness and response capacity based on current epidemiological evidence and public health guidance.
The House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments and agencies to obtain updates on Nigeria's Ebola situation and measures being taken to prevent further transmission. The committee is expected to report back to the House for further legislative action. The lawmakers urged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance to mobilise private, state and federal health agencies and place them on high alert, while releasing all outstanding appropriated funds to enable effective discharge of responsibilities.
For savers, borrowers and businesses in Nigeria, the demand for health funding reflects ongoing gaps in emergency preparedness that could affect economic activity and healthcare access if the outbreak spreads. The House acknowledged the importance of coordination with the World Health Organisation and other international public health institutions to ensure Nigeria's response measures align with current scientific evidence and international health regulations.