Nigeria has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures nationwide following concerns over an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says the step follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Director-General Jide Idris said Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed cases linked to the current outbreak but is maintaining heightened surveillance due to rising infections in countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
He said a risk assessment by the agency classified the likelihood of Ebola importation into Nigeria as high, citing international travel, population movement, and uncertainty around the scale of the outbreak. He also warned that delayed detection remains a concern, as Ebola symptoms can resemble those of malaria and Lassa fever.
According to him, high-risk states, border communities, major transport hubs, and points of entry have been prioritised for enhanced monitoring and intervention. He added that Nigeria’s preparedness is supported by laboratory systems, trained rapid response teams, emergency operations centres, and established viral haemorrhagic fever response structures.
Idris said the national emergency operations centre is on alert mode, with coordination mechanisms activated to enable rapid response if needed. Epidemiologists and rapid response teams have also been placed on standby, while coordination with state health authorities and relevant agencies has been strengthened.
He further noted that surveillance activities, readiness assessments, and event-based monitoring are ongoing nationwide. Infection prevention and control measures are being reinforced in health facilities, with healthcare workers receiving refresher training on early detection and response protocols.
He added that states have been advised to integrate Ebola preparedness into existing emergency plans, including identifying isolation and treatment centres, while essential supplies such as personal protective equipment and laboratory materials are being prepositioned. Testing capacity, he said, remains active across the country, including at points of entry.
