Abuja, June 3, 2026 — The Federal Government has stepped up national preparedness and response systems to guard against the potential importation of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BEBOV), which has been reported in parts of East and Central Africa.
A statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Mr Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the move is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health security framework and prevent cross-border disease spread.
He reassured the public that no case of Ebola Virus Disease has been confirmed in the country at present.
Bako explained that, in line with government policy on health security, enhanced preparedness protocols, technical guidelines and public health advisories have been made available on the ministry’s official website to improve awareness and coordination among stakeholders.
He noted that border surveillance and Point of Entry measures have been activated nationwide to enhance early detection and rapid response capacity.
According to him, these measures include temperature checks using infrared scanners and handheld thermometers, mandatory health declaration forms, and detailed travel history screening for incoming passengers.
He added that additional procedures such as traveller risk assessment, secondary screening, isolation protocols, referral systems, and stronger coordination with border agencies have also been put in place.
The ministry further disclosed that disease surveillance efforts have been intensified through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system, alongside community-level monitoring and event-based reporting across the country.
Bako said health authorities are actively tracking alerts, investigating reported signals, and carrying out continuous risk assessments and epidemiological monitoring.
He also stated that laboratory systems for the detection of viral haemorrhagic diseases have been strengthened, including improved specimen collection and transportation processes to ensure rapid diagnosis.
Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, he added, have been placed on alert status, while Rapid Response Teams at both national and sub-national levels remain on standby for deployment if required.
He said infection prevention and control measures have been reinforced across health facilities, alongside ongoing training and sensitisation of healthcare workers and frontline responders.
Healthcare facilities have also been directed to maintain a high level of vigilance for symptoms of viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, and promptly isolate any suspected cases.
Bako stressed the importance of strict adherence to reporting protocols to ensure swift containment in the event of an outbreak.
He urged citizens to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely only on official communication from recognised health authorities.
The spokesman advised the public to maintain proper hygiene practices, avoid contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, and report any unusual illnesses or deaths to health authorities promptly.
He also cautioned against handling dead animals or consuming bushmeat from unknown sources, warning that such actions could pose serious health risks.
Bako reaffirmed that the ministry would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates, while all relevant preparedness documents remain accessible on its website, www.health.gov.ng.
Nigeria has previously successfully contained Ebola outbreaks through rapid detection, contact tracing and coordinated emergency response measures.