President Bola Tinubu has ordered the establishment of a committee composed of various ministries to oversee the operations of the cholera emergency center managed by the National Centre For Disease Control (NCDC).
Health Minister, Prof Ali Pate, revealed this information to journalists yesterday following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by the president at the State House, Abuja. The committee members include the Federal Ministries of Health, Finance, Water Resources, Environment, Youth, Aviation, and Education.
According to him, the committee’s role is to support state governments in efforts to reduce open defecation and tackle cholera through a coordinated approach involving multiple sectors.
“The council approved a cabinet committee comprising the Federal Ministries of Health, Finance, Water Resources, Environment, Youth, Aviation, and Education, as some of our children will be returning to school,” said Pate.
He added, “In addition, state governments will be involved to enhance Nigeria’s progress in reducing open defecation, as cholera is a developmental issue that requires a multisectoral approach.”
President Tinubu’s directive ensures that the cabinet committee oversees the activities of the NCDC-led emergency operation center, ensuring adequate resource allocation complemented by state government support.
Pate further disclosed that as of now, 31 states have reported 1,528 cases of cholera, resulting in 53 deaths.
“At present, approximately 31 states in Nigeria have reported 1,528 cases and 53 deaths due to cholera. This is the focus of our work through the NCDC’s activated emergency operation center since Monday,” he stated.
“We are currently facing a cholera outbreak and extensively discussed this during the Council meeting, alongside a new emergence of yellow fever, particularly in Bayelsa State,” Pate elaborated.
He highlighted the global context, noting, “Cholera remains a global concern, with the seventh pandemic ongoing. In 2022, nearly 500,000 cholera cases were reported worldwide, and in 2023, the number rose to almost 700,000 cases according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This year, more than 200,000 cases have been recorded across five regions.”
Additionally, the FEC recently approved a total sum of N42.4 billion as a variation cost for three federal road projects nationwide.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced this during a press briefing following the council meeting.
“Today in FEC, we approved three project variations. Firstly, the Umulungbe-Umuoka road in Enugu State was reviewed from N6.245 billion to N8.85 billion, involving an additional N2.6 billion,” Umahi detailed.
“Secondly, the repair of Iganmu bridge in Lagos State was adjusted from N1.16 billion to N2.229 billion. Lastly, the dualization and upgrade of the Calabar-Udopkani-Itu road in Cross River State was revised from N79.649 billion to N118.412 billion,” he continued.
Umahi also mentioned, “There was approval for the immediate commencement of full road rehabilitation in Katsina State, specifically the Katsina-Dustsinma-Maraba road.”
He emphasized progress on ongoing emergency repairs of roads and bridges nationwide, with over 80% completion. The Ministry of Finance has disbursed N300 billion of the N500 billion allocated for these projects, with full details and completion levels to be published next week.
Regarding major national road projects, Umahi noted, “The Abuja to Kano, Lagos to Ibadan roads, and Second Niger Bridge projects are advancing. Abuja to Kano has been divided between Dangote and BUA, with Julius Berger resuming work. Other tax credit contractors are set to mobilize by next week.”
