The Federal Government has stepped up health surveillance at airports, seaports and land borders across the country following renewed fears over the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of East and Central Africa.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, authorities have activated nationwide preparedness measures to prevent the deadly disease from entering the country.
Under the new measures, incoming travellers will undergo enhanced screening, including temperature checks, health declaration procedures, travel history assessments and risk profiling. Travellers showing symptoms linked to Ebola or other viral haemorrhagic fevers will face secondary screening, isolation and referral for further medical evaluation.
The ministry also disclosed that surveillance systems have been strengthened nationwide, while Public Health Emergency Operations Centres and Rapid Response Teams have been placed on standby to swiftly contain any suspected outbreak.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been directed to heighten vigilance, strengthen infection prevention protocols, promptly isolate suspected cases and ensure immediate reporting to relevant authorities.
While urging Nigerians not to panic, the ministry advised citizens to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, shun handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has expressed concern over what it described as a severe funding crisis facing the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), warning that the agency’s ability to tackle a potential Ebola outbreak may be compromised.
Raising the alarm through a motion of urgent public importance, Hon. Amobi Ogah said the NCDC received no operational funding in 2025 and has yet to benefit from capital releases under its 2026 budget allocation.
According to him, inadequate funding has weakened critical operations, including disease surveillance, laboratory services, outbreak response and emergency preparedness.
The lawmakers subsequently urged the Federal Government to immediately release funds appropriated for the NCDC to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to disease outbreaks and protect public health.
The House also called on port health authorities to intensify cross-border surveillance and screening as part of efforts to keep Nigeria Ebola-free.
