The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that the country possesses the capacity to detect, contain and respond to any potential Ebola outbreak, even as health authorities remain on heightened alert over the spread of the virus in parts of Central and East Africa.
The assurance comes amid growing concerns following the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, which has prompted increased surveillance and preparedness measures across several African countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) and regional health agencies have intensified response efforts as cases continue to rise in affected areas.
Speaking on Nigeria’s preparedness, NCDC Director-General Dr Jide Idris said the agency has activated emergency response mechanisms, strengthened disease surveillance systems and intensified monitoring at airports, seaports and land borders. He noted that health authorities are working closely with state governments, Port Health Services and other stakeholders to ensure rapid detection and response if any suspected case emerges.
The agency maintained that Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola linked to the ongoing regional outbreak. However, it acknowledged that the risk of importation remains high due to international travel, cross-border movement and trade activities across the continent.
Recent public health advisories issued by the NCDC identified several states and major entry points as areas requiring heightened vigilance. Health officials have also urged healthcare workers to remain alert for symptoms associated with Ebola and to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
While expressing confidence in Nigeria’s response capacity, the NCDC stressed that preparedness remains an ongoing process requiring continuous investment in public health infrastructure, disease surveillance and emergency response systems. The agency has also appealed to the public to rely on verified information and report any suspected symptoms through appropriate health channels.
The renewed alert has revived memories of Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, a public health response widely recognised for preventing widespread transmission. Public health experts say sustained vigilance, early detection and community cooperation remain crucial in preventing another outbreak from gaining a foothold in the country.
