Atiku Asks Tinubu to Account for ₦10bn Ebola Preparedness Fund

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has asked President Bola Tinubu to account for the ₦10 billion approved in June 2026 for Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the demand following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), raising questions about the government’s preparedness, disease surveillance and protection of frontline health workers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice-president called on the Federal Government to publish details of the funds, including the amount actually disbursed, payment dates, contracts awarded, beneficiaries and items delivered.

“Where is the money? Publish the amount actually disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered,” Atiku said.

He added that if the money had not been released, the President should explain why the emergency funding was announced without reaching those responsible for protecting public health.

Atiku also questioned the handling of the confirmed case, citing reports that the patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private hospital on October 11. The case was publicly confirmed on October 20.

He alleged that the interval raised concerns about the speed of detection, public communication and contact tracing. He also claimed that health workers who attended to the patient lacked adequate protective equipment.

The former vice-president called on the government to disclose when the 44 identified close contacts were first reached and monitored, as well as the screening and follow-up measures undertaken after the patient developed symptoms.

Atiku further questioned the leadership structure of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness, established by Tinubu in June and chaired by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He argued that medical professionals, epidemiologists and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) should lead the technical response, supported by adequate funding and resources.

“The NCDC, epidemiologists, doctors and public health professionals must be in charge, with the authority and resources to act,” he said.

The ADC candidate also warned against using the public health emergency to restrict political gatherings or interfere with democratic rights ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called for any public health measures to be based on medical evidence and applied fairly.

Tinubu had announced the approval of ₦10 billion in emergency funding on June 9, alongside the establishment of a presidential task force to strengthen national preparedness, intensify airport screening and support emergency response activities.

The Presidency’s announcement stated that the funding was intended to strengthen the operational preparedness of the NCDC and support critical public health interventions.

As of October 22, the public statements reviewed did not provide a detailed breakdown of the amount disbursed or the specific expenditure under the programme. Atiku’s demand for an account of the funds therefore adds to calls for transparency as the government responds to the confirmed case.