The House of Representatives has warned that Nigeria’s ability to respond to a potential Ebola outbreak and other infectious disease emergencies is being undermined by a severe funding crisis at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). During plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers expressed concern over claims that the agency received no operational funding in 2025 and has yet to access capital releases from its 2026 budget, despite growing health security threats across Africa.
The alarm comes as health authorities intensify preparedness measures against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola currently reported in parts of East and Central Africa. While the Federal Ministry of Health insists there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, enhanced border surveillance, screening protocols, emergency response systems and nationwide disease monitoring have been activated.
The House called for the immediate release of approved funds to NCDC, warning that shortages of laboratory supplies, delayed projects and weakened response capacity could leave the country vulnerable. Meanwhile, WHO’s Chikwe Ihekweazu said Nigeria faces a low risk of Ebola importation but stressed that sustained preparedness remains critical.
