Shehu Sani Warns NCDC Over N100,000 Weekly Allowance for Ebola Contacts in Isolation

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has cautioned the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) over its decision to provide a weekly allowance of ₦100,000 to individuals being monitored following a confirmed Ebola virus case in Abuja.

According to a report by Daily Post on Monday, October 26, 2026, Sani expressed concern that the financial assistance could encourage some people to falsely claim they had been exposed to the virus in an attempt to benefit from the payment.

The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, announced on Sunday that 53 people identified as primary contacts of the confirmed Ebola case would receive ₦100,000 every week throughout the 21-day monitoring period.

The allowance is intended to help cover essential expenses, including food, accommodation and family support while the affected individuals undergo monitoring.

Reacting to the announcement on Monday through his verified X account, Sani urged the agency to exercise caution in implementing the financial support programme.

He warned that although the initiative was designed to assist people affected by the public health situation, it could also create an opportunity for individuals to make false claims for financial gain.

The former lawmaker stressed the importance of ensuring that the allowance reached only those who had genuinely come into contact with the virus.

He suggested that without adequate verification, some individuals might falsely present themselves as contacts of the confirmed Ebola patient simply to receive the weekly payment.

Sani’s reaction has drawn attention to the need for transparency and effective oversight in the management of emergency public health funds.

His concern centres on preventing the possible misuse of resources while ensuring that people who genuinely require assistance are not denied the support provided by the government.

The NCDC has confirmed one Ebola case in Abuja and is monitoring 53 primary contacts associated with the case. Those being monitored reportedly include healthcare workers and members of the affected individual’s household, who may have been exposed to the virus.

The 21-day observation period is intended to allow health authorities to monitor the identified contacts for possible symptoms and take appropriate action if any signs of infection emerge. Providing financial assistance during this period may also help individuals meet their daily needs while complying with public health monitoring requirements.

However, Sani’s warning highlights the potential challenges associated with distributing financial assistance during a disease outbreak.

Health authorities must strike a balance between supporting individuals under monitoring and establishing safeguards that prevent fraudulent claims or the diversion of emergency funds.

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