The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to immediately release outstanding funds appropriated for health agencies and strengthen emergency measures following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
Lawmakers adopted the resolutions on Wednesday, October 21, after considering a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Amobi Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.
At the plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the House called for private, state and federal health agencies to be mobilised and placed on high alert to prevent further transmission.
House seeks funds for surveillance and emergency response
The lawmakers urged the Ministry of Finance to release outstanding appropriated funds without delay, saying health agencies needed the resources to carry out surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and other response activities.
They also asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to assess the funding required to strengthen preparedness in line with current public health evidence.
Presenting the motion, Ogah warned that delays in identifying suspected cases, conducting tests, isolating infected patients and providing medical care could increase the risk of transmission and place further pressure on healthcare facilities.
Ogah raises concerns over supplies and preparedness
The lawmaker identified inadequate public awareness, shortages of infection prevention supplies, gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness and limited emergency response capacity as concerns requiring attention.
He stressed the importance of cooperation among the health ministry, NCDC, state health authorities, port health officials and other relevant institutions.
Ogah also called for coordination with the World Health Organisation and regional public health bodies to ensure that Nigeria’s response followed current scientific evidence and international health regulations.
The emphasis on early detection follows an earlier Ebola surveillance advisory issued by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria to pharmacies nationwide, highlighting their role in recognising suspected infections and notifying health authorities.
Committee to obtain updates from health agencies
The House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions for updates on the confirmed case and measures being taken to prevent further transmission.
The committee is expected to report its findings to the House for further legislative action.
The resolutions followed Tuesday’s announcement by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, that laboratory testing had confirmed Ebola in a woman who arrived in Abuja after travelling through Uganda.
Authorities identified 44 contacts for follow-up. The patient is receiving medical care in isolation.
The House’s demand concerns the release of funds already appropriated to health agencies. The resolutions did not specify the outstanding amount or announce a new emergency funding package.
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