The Federal Government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF) to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response efforts across Nigeria amid growing concerns over Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.
The approval, granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, authorizes the disbursement of 50 percent of the S-OIRF allocation, amounting to ₦21.2 million for each state, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
According to the Federal Government, the intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance national health security and complements the activities 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.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, authorities said the proactive measure is aimed at ensuring states have adequate resources to strengthen surveillance systems, improve preparedness, and maintain rapid response capabilities in the event of a public health emergency.
The government described the funding approval as a one-time special dispensation designed to help states access critical preparedness resources while maintaining strict standards of accountability and transparency in public fund management.
As Chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Prof. Pate directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months. He also stressed the need for full compliance with established financial reporting, accountability, and management procedures.
Speaking on the approval, the minister emphasized the importance of preparedness in safeguarding public health.
“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,” he said.
He added that the approval reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening health security while ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
The State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund is a financing mechanism under the NCDC Gateway of the BHCPF, established to support states in enhancing disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and emergency response systems.
Beneficiary states are expected to utilize the funds strictly for approved activities and comply with all reporting and retirement requirements.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national health security through proactive preparedness measures, effective coordination, and sustained investment in disease prevention, detection, and response capacities nationwide.
