The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has classified the risk of importation of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into Nigeria as high, citing ongoing outbreaks in parts of East Africa and increased cross-border movement.
The assessment was disclosed by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, during a media briefing in Lagos on Nigeria’s preparedness following reported Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
According to Idris, the risk classification is based on a dynamic assessment of regional public health conditions, including population mobility, porous borders, and increased international travel.
He warned that delayed detection remains a major concern, as early Ebola symptoms can be easily mistaken for more common illnesses such as malaria and Lassa fever.
While Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, the NCDC said it is strengthening surveillance systems nationwide to prevent importation and ensure rapid response if a case is detected.
Dr Idris outlined key preparedness measures already activated by the agency, including enhanced surveillance at points of entry, laboratory readiness, case management systems, risk communication strategies, and coordination with health stakeholders.
He urged state governments to activate emergency response mechanisms and ensure preparedness structures are fully operational.
Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high index of suspicion when treating patients showing symptoms consistent with Ebola infection.
“Since confirmation of the outbreak in the region, NCDC has intensified preparedness activities nationwide to ensure that Nigeria remains ready to rapidly detect, investigate, contain, and respond to any potential outbreak of disease,” Idris said.
He added that the agency had completed a national dynamic risk assessment and vulnerability analysis to guide preparedness efforts.
The NCDC reiterated the importance of early detection, prompt reporting, and coordinated response to prevent any potential outbreak from escalating within the country.
Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons. It has caused thousands of deaths across Africa over the past five decades.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the 17th recorded in the country, with hundreds of confirmed cases and dozens of deaths reported.
Neighbouring Uganda has also recorded cases linked to cross-border movement, raising regional concern among health authorities.
The NCDC said it will continue working with state governments, international partners, and frontline health workers to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to emerging infectious disease threats.
