The Federal Government has stepped up health surveillance measures at airports, seaports, and land borders nationwide following renewed concerns over the spread of Ebola in parts of East and Central Africa.
The move comes as authorities seek to prevent the importation of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which has recently been reported in some African countries. As part of its preventive strategy, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has activated enhanced screening procedures across all major points of entry into Nigeria.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the ministry assured Nigerians that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in the country. However, it emphasized that proactive measures have been put in place to strengthen the nation’s preparedness and protect public health.
According to the ministry, travelers considered high-risk or those displaying symptoms associated with Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers will be subjected to secondary screening, isolation, and referral procedures where necessary.
The government has also introduced a series of stricter health protocols at designated entry points, including mandatory temperature checks, health declaration forms, travel history assessments, and enhanced risk profiling for incoming travelers.
Beyond border controls, health authorities revealed that disease surveillance systems have been reinforced across the country. This includes intensified disease monitoring, expansion of community-based surveillance networks, and active tracking of public health alerts to ensure early detection of any potential outbreak.
To further strengthen the nation’s response capacity, Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have been activated, while Rapid Response Teams have been placed on standby at both national and state levels.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and urged the public to remain vigilant, comply with health advisories, and promptly report any suspected symptoms to the appropriate health authorities.
Health officials say the heightened surveillance measures are part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to prevent the entry and spread of infectious diseases, particularly in light of ongoing public health developments across the African continent.
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