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Ebola Threat: Tinubu Releases ₦10bn, Launches Presidential Task Force to Prevent Outbreak
Nigeria has launched a Presidential Ebola Task Force and released ₦10 billion in emergency funding following fresh outbreaks in Uganda and DR Congo.
As concerns grow over fresh Ebola outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa, President Bola Tinubu has approved a ₦10 billion emergency intervention package and established a Presidential Task Force to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against the disease.
The task force, officially named the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, will coordinate national efforts to prevent any potential importation of the virus into the country.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the committee will be chaired by Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and comprise representatives of key federal agencies and state governments.
The intervention comes after Ebola cases resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, prompting Nigerian authorities to reassess the country’s readiness for a possible public health emergency.
“The President’s approval followed a stakeholder meeting convened under the chairmanship of the Chief of Staff to review Nigeria’s preparedness and develop strategies against the possible importation of Ebola into Nigeria,” the statement said.
The ₦10 billion fund will be used to enhance the operational capacity of the NCDC and support emergency response activities nationwide.
To strengthen border surveillance, the government plans to intensify passenger screening at international airports, enforce stricter temperature monitoring and increase oversight of travellers arriving through airlines considered high-risk, including Air Uganda, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
Authorities will also activate referral and isolation centres at the international airports in Lagos and Abuja, introduce mandatory QR code-based health declarations for travellers from designated high-risk countries, and carry out enhanced disinfection of airport facilities.
In addition, President Tinubu directed states with international airports and border crossings to submit their preparedness strategies and funding requirements, while the task force will work with aviation, security and diplomatic agencies to review flight operations from affected countries and designate special screening points for high-risk arrivals.
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