Nigeria On High Alert: FG Boosts Airport, Border Checks Amid Ebola Fears

The Federal Government has taken proactive steps to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus disease into Nigeria by strengthening health screening measures at all points of entry, including airports, seaports, and land borders. This move is in response to the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in parts of East and Central Africa. According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Nigeria, the government has activated heightened preparedness measures nationwide as a precautionary measure. Travelers who are identified as high-risk or exhibit symptoms associated with Ebola and other viral hemorrhagic fevers will be subjected to secondary screening, isolation, and referral procedures where necessary. The ministry has directed health officials to enhance border surveillance, which includes mandatory temperature checks using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, health declaration forms, travel history assessments, and intensified risk profiling at entry points. Furthermore, surveillance systems have been reinforced through expanded Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response activities, community-based surveillance networks, and active monitoring of public health alerts to strengthen early detection. Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have been activated, and Rapid Response Teams at both national and sub-national levels are on standby. Healthcare facilities across the country have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral hemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases, and adhere strictly to established reporting protocols. The Federal Government has urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing that the measures are precautionary and aimed at strengthening national preparedness. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has expressed concern over the funding crisis facing the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), warning that this could weaken the country's outbreak response capacity. Lawmakers have called for urgent release of adequate funds to the NCDC, strengthening of cross-border surveillance, and intensification of screening at all points of entry. They also directed relevant committees to monitor fund utilization and ensure implementation of resolutions aimed at improving national health security.