By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives is seeking urgent action to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), calling for health agencies across the country to be placed on high alert and outstanding budgetary funds released to support emergency response efforts. 
The move was sequel to the adoption of an urgent motion sponsored by Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah on Wednesday during plenary, amid concerns over a reported Ebola case involving a woman who arrived in Abuja from Uganda.
The motion stated that the woman tested positive on 20 October, adding that health authorities had traced 44 contacts for isolation and further testing.
The House noted that Ebola is a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease requiring prompt detection, effective infection prevention and control measures, and coordinated public health intervention to prevent transmission and save lives.
Lawmakers warned that delays in identifying suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating confirmed cases, tracing contacts and providing timely medical care could increase the risk of transmission and place additional pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
They also expressed concern that inadequate public awareness, shortages of infection prevention supplies, gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness and limited emergency response capacity could undermine containment efforts.
The House recognised the roles of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, state health ministries, port health authorities and other relevant stakeholders in strengthening epidemic preparedness.
It also emphasised the importance of coordination with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other regional and international public health institutions to ensure that Nigeria’s response measures align with current scientific evidence and international health regulations.
Among its resolutions, the House proposed that the Federal Government immediately mobilise public and private health agencies at federal and state levels to contain the outbreak.
It also urged the government, through the Ministry of Finance, to release all outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
The House further called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to assess the funding required to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity in line with current epidemiological evidence and public health guidance.
In addition, the House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions, obtain updates on Nigeria’s Ebola situation and report back to lawmakers for further legislative action.
The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening early detection, improving emergency response and reducing the risk of further transmission.
