News October 21, 2026 1:19 pm
File photo: Health workers in Ebola kits
The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to strengthen preventive and emergency medical measures against the spread of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria, following the confirmation of a case in Abuja.
The House also called for the immediate release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to boost the country’s preparedness and response capacity.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Isuikwato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, Amobi Ogah, during plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, Ogah described Ebola Virus Disease as a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that requires prompt detection, effective infection prevention and control measures, and coordinated public health intervention to prevent transmission and save lives.
“It is extremely disturbing that yesterday, October 20, 2026 an Ebola Virus case was confirmed in a woman arriving from Uganda in Abuja who tested positive. Health authorities traced 44 contacts for isolation and further tests,” he said.
The lawmaker warned that delays in detecting suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating infected persons, tracing contacts and providing timely medical care could increase the risk of transmission and put additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
He said the House was also concerned that 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 is further concerned that inadequate public awareness, insufficient infection prevention and control supplies, gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness, and limited emergency response capacity could undermine efforts to prevent and contain the Ebola outbreak.
“We recognise the critical roles of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, relevant state ministries of health, port health authorities, and other stakeholders in strengthening national epidemic preparedness and response.
“We acknowledge the importance of coordination with the World Health Organisation and other relevant international and regional public health institutions to ensure that Nigeria’s preventive and response measures are guided by current scientific evidence and international health regulations,” he said.
At the plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion and called on the Federal Government to immediately mobilise private, state and federal health agencies and place them on high alert to contain the outbreak.
They also urged the federal government, through the Ministry of Finance, to release all outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies without delay.
The House said the funds were necessary to enable the agencies to discharge their responsibilities effectively, particularly as the country steps up surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and other emergency response measures.
It further urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to assess the funding required to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response capacity in line with current epidemiological evidence and public health guidance.
The House also mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions to obtain updates on the country’s Ebola situation and the measures being taken to prevent further transmission.
The committee is expected to report back to the House for further legislative action.
Ebola is a serious viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, or with contaminated materials. Early identification of suspected cases, prompt isolation, contact tracing and strict infection prevention and control measures are critical to limiting transmission.
The confirmation of the Abuja case has heightened the importance of effective coordination among federal and state health authorities, particularly in surveillance, public communication and the rapid deployment of medical resources.
The House’s intervention comes amid concerns that any weaknesses in emergency preparedness could complicate efforts to contain the disease and protect healthcare workers and members of the public.
Dirisu Yakubu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience covering parliament, politics, and development issues. He specializes in reporting that provides context and insight into legislative and governance matters. Dirisu’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and impactful journalism.
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