Tinubu Appoints Femi Gbajabiamila Head of Ebola Task Force, Approves ₦10 Billion Emergency Fund

According to a report by Vanguard Newspapers on  Friday, October 23, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, alongside the immediate release of ₦10 billion in emergency intervention funding to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against the disease.

The announcement was made on June 9, 2026, as the Federal Government intensified measures to protect Nigeria from the possible importation of Ebola amid outbreaks and renewed public health concerns in parts of Africa.

President Tinubu appointed his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to chair the Presidential Task Force. The committee comprises representatives from relevant ministries, departments and agencies, as well as state governments, to coordinate preparedness and emergency response efforts across the country.

The approved ₦10 billion fund is intended to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical public health emergency activities.

The decision followed a stakeholder meeting chaired by Gbajabiamila to review Nigeria’s level of preparedness and develop strategies to prevent the possible introduction and spread of Ebola within the country.

Officials from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Lagos State Government were among those involved in the discussions.

As part of the measures, the President directed states hosting international airports and major international border corridors, alongside relevant government agencies, to submit their preparedness plans, funding requirements and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.

The task force was also directed to intensify passenger screening at international airports through enhanced temperature checks and improved crowd-control procedures.

Authorities were instructed to strengthen monitoring of passengers arriving through designated high-risk airline routes and activate referral and isolation centres at the international airports in Lagos and Abuja, with similar arrangements planned for other airports.

Additional measures include introducing QR code-based pre-arrival health declarations for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries. The government also directed precautionary disinfection of airport facilities, baggage areas, cargo sections and departure halls.

The task force was further instructed to consult relevant security, diplomatic and aviation authorities on measures concerning flights from affected areas. It may also designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights to facilitate screening and isolation procedures.

The government’s preparations have become particularly significant following Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case in October 2026. Health authorities have since intensified efforts to identify contacts and prevent further transmission.

The Federal Government has maintained that preparedness, early detection and coordinated action are essential to containing the threat. The ₦10 billion intervention fund and the presidential task force are intended to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to Ebola and other emerging public health emergencies.

Michael0864 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com