The Federal Government has given the approval for the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF) to strengthen “outbreak preparedness and response activities” across Nigeria as part of its moves to enhance the country’s readiness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.
This was made known via a Press Release on Saturday 20 June, 2026 by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director Information &Public Relations.
The Press Release reads: “The intervention complements broader Federal Government efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response capacities, including the work of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.”
Granted by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the approval gives the go-ahead for the “disbursement of 50 percent of the S-OIRF allocation, amounting to ₦21.2 million per State, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)”.
Nigeria has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), however, the FG is embarking on “proactive measures” to ensure States have the resources to “strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response capacities in the event of any public health emergency”.
The Press Release also reads: “The approval provides a one-time special dispensation to enable States to access critical preparedness funding in view of current public health concerns, while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to accountability and prudent management of public resources.”
In his statement following the approval, according to the Press Release, Prof. Pate said: “Preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in protecting public health.
“While it is important that States have timely access to resources needed to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities, it is equally important that public funds are managed responsibly and accounted for in line with established regulations.
“This approval reflects our commitment to both health security and accountability. We will continue to support States to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats while ensuring transparency in the use of public resources.”
