The Federal Government has taken urgent steps to protect Nigerians from a potential Ebola outbreak. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats and ordered the immediate release of N10 billion as emergency intervention funding. 
The announcement was made today, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Why Now?
Ebola has recently resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, both African countries, raising serious concerns about the virus crossing into Nigeria through travel and border corridors. 
The President’s approval followed a stakeholder meeting convened under the chairmanship of the Chief of Staff to review Nigeria’s preparedness and develop strategies against the possibility of an outbreak. 
How the N10 Billion Will Be Used
The fund will strengthen the operational preparedness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical national public health emergency response activities. 
Who Is Running the Task Force?
The Presidential Task Force on Ebola will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, with membership drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and State representatives. 
Airports and Borders on Alert
President Tinubu directed all States hosting international airports and international border corridors, as well as relevant MDAs, to submit their plans, funding requirements, and intervention needs for consideration and coordinated implementation. 
Authorities were also directed to strengthen monitoring of passengers arriving through routes considered high-risk, including flights operated by Air Uganda, RwandAir, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. 
What This Means for Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt International Airport is one of Nigeria’s major international gateways. With direct and connecting flights operating across Africa, Rivers State is not insulated from the risk. Residents should stay informed, monitor official communications from the NCDC, and report any suspicious symptoms immediately.
Nigeria has successfully contained Ebola before in 2014, the country’s swift response was praised globally. The hope is that this early action means we never have to test that capacity again.
Stay Safe What You Should Know About Ebola
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. It is not airborne. Early symptoms include sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. If you have recently travelled from DRC, Uganda, or surrounding regions and experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and inform health workers of your travel history.
Stay with Port Harcourt Blog for updates on this developing health situation. Share this post keeping our community informed is how we stay safe.
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