FG tightens airport, border screening over Ebola alert

The Federal Government has intensified health screening measures at airports, seaports and land borders as part of efforts to prevent the importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into Nigeria.

 

The move follows concerns over the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in parts of East and Central Africa.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the government said there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria but noted that heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide.

 

“The ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. However, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national health security and preventing cross-border disease transmission, heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide,” the statement said.

 

The ministry disclosed that enhanced traveller screening procedures have been introduced at designated points of entry, including mandatory temperature checks using thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, health declaration forms, travel history assessments and risk profiling.

 

Travellers identified as high-risk or showing symptoms associated with Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers will undergo secondary screening, isolation and referral procedures.

 

The ministry said surveillance systems have also been strengthened through enhanced Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response activities, community-based monitoring networks and active tracking of public health alerts.

 

It added that Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have been activated, while Rapid Response Teams at national and state levels have been placed on standby.

 

Healthcare facilities across the country have been directed to maintain a high level of vigilance, strengthen infection prevention and control measures, improve triage systems and promptly report suspected cases.

 

The ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm, describing the measures as precautionary. It advised the public to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses to health authorities.

 

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has raised concerns over what it described as a critical funding crisis affecting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

 

The concern followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, Amobi Ogah.

 

Ogah recalled that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 15, 2026, while the NCDC subsequently placed Nigeria on high alert on May 25.

 

He questioned the agency’s preparedness, alleging that the NCDC received no operational funding in 2025 and had yet to receive capital releases from its approved 2026 allocation.

 

According to him, the funding shortfall has affected outbreak response operations, laboratory services, surveillance systems and emergency preparedness activities.

 

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to immediately release adequate funds to the NCDC and directed relevant committees to monitor implementation and ensure compliance with its resolutions.