# Ebola: Nigerian lawmakers demand release of funds for health agencies

> Nigerian lawmakers urge immediate release of health funds to strengthen Ebola response after first case in Abuja.
- Title: Ebola: Nigerian lawmakers demand release of funds for health…
- Summary: Nigerian lawmakers urge immediate release of health funds to strengthen Ebola response after first case in Abuja. Nigerian lawmakers demand federal release…
- Keywords: nigerian lawmakers, ebola, health funds, federal government, nigeria, house of reps, ebola case, contact tracing, surveillance, emergency response, news, politics
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/918865-ebola-nigerian-lawmakers-demand-release-of-outstanding-funds-for-health-agencies-to-strengthen-response.html
- Author: Sharon Eboesomi
- Published: 2026-10-21T13:43:35+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nigerian lawmakers, ebola, health funds, federal government, nigeria, house of reps, ebola case, contact tracing, surveillance, emergency response, news, politics
## Ebola case confirmed in Abuja
Nigerian lawmakers urged the executive to release outstanding funds for health agencies to strengthen Nigeria's response to Ebola after confirming a case in Abuja.
## Patient in isolation
The patient is currently receiving treatment in isolation at a private hospital in Abuja.
## 44 contacts identified
Health authorities have identified 44 close contacts including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts for monitoring.
## Motion of urgent national importance
The House adopted a motion titled 'Urgent need to strengthen preventive and emergency medical measures against Ebola virus disease in Nigeria'.
## Amobi Ogah leads debate
Amobi Ogah described Ebola as a severe potentially fatal viral disease requiring early detection, isolation and infection prevention measures.
## Risks of delayed response
Delays in identifying suspected cases, laboratory investigations, isolation, contact tracing and medical care could increase transmission risk.
## Inadequate preparedness
Ogah raised concerns about inadequate public awareness, infection prevention supplies, healthcare worker preparedness and emergency response capacity.
## Funds release demanded
The House urged the federal government through the Ministry of Finance to immediately release outstanding funds to health agencies.
## Additional resources needed
The House asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to assess additional resources needed for effective response.
## Multi-agency coordination
The House called for involvement of federal and state health agencies, private healthcare providers and relevant institutions to strengthen surveillance.
## WHO collaboration
The House urged the government to work closely with the World Health Organisation and other international health institutions.
## Committee on Infectious Diseases
The House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to obtain updates on Ebola situation and country's preparedness measures.
## Previous Ebola outbreak
Nigeria contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after a traveler from Liberia arrived in Lagos.
## Current outbreak context
The latest case comes amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and regional spread.
## What happens next
The Committee on Infectious Diseases will report findings to the House for further legislative action.
## Key takeaway

Nigerian lawmakers demand federal release of outstanding health funds to improve Ebola response following confirmation of a case in Abuja.