The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, stating that health authorities have already activated heightened preparedness and response measures to prevent any possible outbreak. The reassurance came on Wednesday amid renewed concerns following reported Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was closely monitoring developments through relevant public health institutions and emergency response agencies. According to the minister, the ministry, working through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services and other relevant agencies, has intensified surveillance and preparedness activities across the country in collaboration with the World Health Organization and regional health authorities.
Pate explained that although no confirmed Ebola case has been detected in Nigeria, the government considers the regional outbreaks serious enough to warrant proactive preventive measures. He stressed that the country’s public health system remains on alert and that authorities are taking steps to strengthen monitoring at points of entry, improve disease detection capacity and ensure rapid response readiness. The minister noted that Nigeria’s previous experience in containing Ebola outbreaks has helped build stronger emergency response structures capable of responding quickly to emerging health threats.
He recalled that the country successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 through coordinated efforts involving government agencies, health workers, international partners and public cooperation. According to him, lessons learned from past outbreaks continue to shape Nigeria’s preparedness strategy for infectious diseases and public health emergencies. Pate urged Nigerians not to panic but to remain vigilant and cooperate with health authorities by observing hygiene measures and promptly reporting suspected symptoms or unusual illnesses to medical professionals.
He also advised travellers arriving from affected regions to comply fully with health screening procedures and public health advisories issued by relevant agencies. Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria assured travellers, airlines and stakeholders that strict preventive measures have been activated across international airports to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission. FAAN said airport authorities were working closely with Port Health Services and other health agencies to strengthen screening procedures and ensure rapid detection of any suspected cases.
Officials disclosed that surveillance systems at international airports have been reinforced, with health personnel placed on heightened alert to monitor incoming passengers, especially travellers arriving from countries affected by the outbreak. The authority explained that emergency response protocols have also been reviewed to ensure prompt isolation and management of any suspected Ebola-related cases if necessary.
Airport authorities further stated that awareness campaigns and sensitisation efforts were ongoing within airport facilities to educate passengers and aviation workers about preventive measures and symptoms associated with the disease. Industry stakeholders say the activation of preventive measures is critical given the high level of international travel and the risk of rapid disease transmission across borders. Public health experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of early detection, surveillance and public awareness in preventing the spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials or infected animals. Symptoms commonly associated with the disease include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. Health authorities have continued to emphasise that early reporting and rapid medical intervention are essential for containing outbreaks and improving survival rates.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare preparedness system through improved coordination among federal and state agencies, international partnerships and enhanced disease surveillance infrastructure. Observers say the renewed alertness reflects growing concern among African countries over the possibility of cross-border transmission following recent outbreaks in neighbouring regions. Analysts believe Nigeria’s swift response and public reassurance are aimed at preventing unnecessary panic while ensuring that containment structures remain fully operational.
The government maintained that while there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria at present, authorities would continue monitoring the regional situation closely and adjust response measures as necessary to protect public health and national safety.
