By Abu Dalisu l May 30, 2026
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over a high risk of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) being imported into Nigeria following worsening outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, directing state governments to immediately strengthen emergency preparedness measures.
In a public health advisory issued on Thursday, the NCDC said although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case linked to the current outbreak, increasing regional transmission, international travel, porous borders and cross-border population movements have significantly increased the country's vulnerability.
The agency's Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, explained that a recent dynamic risk assessment classified the likelihood of Ebola importation into Nigeria as high due to ongoing outbreaks in neighbouring regions and the possibility that early symptoms could be mistaken for diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever.
As part of the emergency response, the NCDC directed states to activate public health preparedness structures, strengthen surveillance systems, prepare isolation facilities and ensure rapid reporting of suspected cases. The agency also urged state governments to assess their readiness and submit preparedness reports within 72 hours.
The NCDC disclosed that the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has already been placed on alert mode, while the National Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate nationwide preparedness efforts. Rapid Response Teams and epidemiologists have also been placed on standby for immediate deployment if a suspected case emerges anywhere in the country.
According to the agency, several states have been identified as particularly vulnerable because of international airports, seaports, border crossings and major transport corridors. High-risk locations include Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba and Adamawa.
The NCDC also classified Ogun, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Abia and Bayelsa as moderate-risk states requiring enhanced surveillance and preparedness.
Health authorities said more than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and hundreds of deaths have been reported in the DRC and Uganda, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to intensify international monitoring and response efforts.
The NCDC warned that the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments. Officials said this makes early detection, isolation, contact tracing and supportive medical care even more critical.
To strengthen readiness, hospitals across the country have been instructed to review infection prevention and control measures, while healthcare workers are receiving refresher training on Ebola case identification, triage procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The agency said laboratories in states with international points of entry have been placed on alert, and essential emergency supplies, including PPE, laboratory materials and other response equipment, are being strategically positioned nationwide.
The NCDC also launched intensified public awareness campaigns aimed at combating misinformation about Ebola and educating citizens on preventive measures. Nigerians were advised to maintain good hygiene practices, avoid contact with body fluids of sick persons, promptly report unusual illnesses and rely on verified health information.
Travellers arriving from countries affected by the outbreak have been advised to monitor their health for 21 days and immediately seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting or unexplained bleeding.
Nigeria's latest Ebola preparedness efforts have revived memories of the country's successful containment of the deadly virus in 2014 after an infected traveller arrived in Lagos, triggering what became one of the nation's most significant public health emergencies. Health experts say the lessons learned from that outbreak remain crucial as authorities work to prevent a repeat scenario.
While no Ebola case has been confirmed in Nigeria, health officials insist that heightened vigilance, rapid detection and coordinated emergency preparedness remain essential to protecting the country from the growing regional threat.