The Federal Government (FG) has significantly tightened health screening and monitoring procedures at all Nigerian entry points in response to a fresh outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), amid growing concerns about the potential spread of the virus into West Africa.
Dr. Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, confirmed the move in an interview with PUNCH on Friday, highlighting the government’s proactive approach to preventing any importation of the virus into Nigeria. He explained that extra health personnel had been deployed across airports, land borders, and seaports nationwide to strengthen surveillance and ensure that thorough checks are conducted on all inbound passengers, particularly those arriving from the DRC and neighbouring countries.
“We have intensified surveillance at every point of entry into Nigeria, including airports, seaports, and land crossings. Every traveller from the DRC is screened, and health declaration forms are completed before entry. We’ve also reactivated our electronic portals so that even passengers transiting through Congo are monitored,” Dr. Nse stated. He added that private organisations were collaborating with the government to ensure thermal scanners and other detection equipment remain fully operational at airports, enhancing early identification of potential Ebola cases.
Health authorities in the DRC declared the outbreak in Kasai Province, reporting 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths, including four healthcare workers, as of September 5, 2025. Laboratory analyses later confirmed the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause. Dr. Nse emphasized that Nigeria remains vulnerable due to heavy travel links with the DRC but reassured the public that the country is well-prepared to manage potential risks. “Our priority is to block any possible importation of the virus. With support from WHO, we’ve recruited additional staff to strengthen our surveillance and response capacity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released $500,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to aid the DRC in controlling the outbreak. WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that health teams are on the ground conducting contact tracing, sample testing, and deploying critical equipment and vaccines. Approximately 2,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine, prepositioned in Kinshasa, will be used to protect healthcare workers and close contacts of confirmed patients.
The current Ebola outbreak marks the 16th recorded in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976. Health officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and rapid response, noting that early detection, containment, and vaccination remain key to preventing cross-border transmission and safeguarding public health in Nigeria and the wider region.