Nigeria Intensifies Ebola Preparedness, Tightens Border Surveillance Amid Regional Outbreak Concerns

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Federal Government has stepped up nationwide Ebola preparedness measures, activating enhanced surveillance systems, stricter border health protocols, and emergency response mechanisms to prevent the possible entry of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease (BEBOV) into Nigeria amid reported cases in parts of East and Central Africa.

The move comes as authorities reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, while emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive public health measures to safeguard national health security.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, on June 2, 2026.

According to the Ministry, the heightened preparedness is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to prevent cross-border transmission of infectious diseases and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond swiftly to potential public health threats.

The Ministry stated: “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.”

As part of the response framework, the Ministry announced the deployment of comprehensive border health measures at designated Points of Entry nationwide.

These include universal temperature screening using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, mandatory health declaration forms for inbound travelers, enhanced travel history assessments, and strengthened risk screening procedures.

The Ministry further disclosed that secondary screening, isolation, and referral mechanisms have been activated for travelers displaying symptoms associated with viral haemorrhagic fevers.

In addition, collaboration has been strengthened with immigration authorities, aviation agencies, maritime operators, and border management institutions to ensure coordinated surveillance and response.

On disease monitoring, the Ministry revealed that the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system has been enhanced across the country, alongside intensified community-based and event-based surveillance mechanisms.

Officials said health authorities are actively monitoring, verifying, and investigating public health alerts and rumors while conducting continuous epidemiological risk assessments in partnership with regional and international public health organizations.

The statement also highlighted efforts to reinforce laboratory readiness and emergency response capacity.

According to the Ministry, specimen collection and transportation systems for viral haemorrhagic diseases have been strengthened, while biosafety and biosecurity protocols are being rigorously enforced in laboratories nationwide.

Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs) have also been placed on heightened alert, with Rapid Response Teams at both national and sub-national levels prepared for immediate deployment should the need arise.

The Ministry said infection prevention and control measures have been reinforced across healthcare facilities, while healthcare workers, surveillance officers, and frontline personnel are undergoing continuous preparedness and response training.

Healthcare institutions have equally been directed to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen patient triage procedures, promptly isolate suspected cases, and strictly adhere to established reporting guidelines.

The Ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic.

It advised citizens to obtain information only from credible public health authorities and official government channels.

“Members of the public are advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, avoid contact with dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to the nearest health authority or healthcare facility,” the statement added.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare assured Nigerians that it will continue to closely monitor developments related to the Ebola situation and provide timely updates as necessary.

The Ministry also announced that all preparedness advisories, protocols, and technical guidance documents relating to Ebola response have been made available on its official website. www.health.gov.ng to support public awareness and institutional compliance.