The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to strengthen preventive and emergency healthcare measures to contain the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following the confirmation of a case in Abuja.
The lawmakers also urged the immediate release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to improve Nigeria’s preparedness and response capacity.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Isuikwato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, Amobi Ogah, during plenary on Wednesday.
Moving the motion, Ogah described Ebola as a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that requires early detection, effective infection prevention and control, and coordinated public health interventions to prevent transmission and save lives.
He expressed concern over the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja on October 20, 2026, involving a woman who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda and tested positive for the virus.
According to the lawmaker, health authorities had begun tracing 44 contacts for isolation and further testing as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.
Ogah warned that delays in identifying suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating infected persons, tracing contacts and providing timely medical care could heighten the risk of an outbreak.
He added that such delays could also place additional pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing the need for urgent and coordinated action by relevant authorities.
