Nigeria Govt Approves Release of S-OIRF, Directs States to Retire Outbreak Response Funds Within Six Months
By Core Reporters
The Federal Government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF) to support outbreak preparedness and response activities across the country as part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats. The intervention complements broader Federal Government efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response capacities, including the work of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The approval, granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, authorises the disbursement of 50 percent of the S-OIRF allocation, amounting to ₦21.2 million per State, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
While Nigeria has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, the Federal Government is taking proactive measures to ensure States have the resources required to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response capacities in the event of any public health emergency. The approval provides a one-time special dispensation to enable States to access critical preparedness funding in view of current public health concerns, while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to accountability and prudent management of public resources.
As Chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Prof. Pate further directed all beneficiary States to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months and ensure full compliance with established financial management, reporting and accountability requirements.
Commenting on the approval, the Coordinating Minister said: “Preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in protecting public health. While it is important that States have timely access to resources needed to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities, it is equally important that public funds are managed responsibly and accounted for in line with established regulations.
“This approval reflects our commitment to both health security and accountability. We will continue to support States to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats while ensuring transparency in the use of public resources.”
The State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund is a financing mechanism under the NCDC Gateway of the BHCPF designed to support states in strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and emergency response systems. Beneficiary States are expected to utilise the funds strictly for approved activities and comply fully with all reporting and retirement requirements.
The Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding national health security through proactive preparedness, effective coordination and sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response capacities nationwide
