The minister said the federal government was committed to harnessing the strengths of the country’s regions to drive balanced growth.
The commission emphasised that the 2025 budget remained a working document still in process, and would only take effect when passed as part of the national budget.
120 suspected cases were documented, with 11 new confirmed infections recorded in Ondo and Edo states, including three extra deaths.
Despite intensified efforts, the NCDC said that several persistent challenges remained.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a total of 366 deaths from Lassa fever and meningitis in 24 states.
The agency however said that no healthcare worker was infected in the current week.
The NCDC DG attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and widespread open defecation.
Ms Okwor stressed the urgent need to act decisively and strategically at the country level.
NCDC has distributed essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and medications, to affected states.
Public health experts have called for more proactive measures to address gaps in early detection.
