Abuja, Nigeria|02 June 2026 – The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has intensified national preparedness and response measures to safeguard Nigeria against the possible introduction of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease (BEBOV), currently reported in parts of the East and Central African region.
The Ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. However, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national health security and preventing cross-border disease transmission, heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide.
As part of ongoing response readiness efforts, official preparedness protocols, advisories, and technical guidance documents have been uploaded to the Ministry’s website to support public awareness, stakeholder sensitization, and institutional compliance.
The Ministry is re-emphasizing the following measures currently operational across the country:
- Strict Border Control & Point of Entry (PoE) Protocols.
- Universal temperature screening using non-invasive infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers for arriving travelers;
- Mandatory completion of Health Declaration Forms and travel history assessments for inbound passengers;
- Enhanced traveler risk assessment and screening procedures at designated Points of Entry;
- Secondary screening, isolation, and referral mechanisms for travelers presenting symptoms consistent with viral haemorrhagic fevers; and
- Strengthened coordination with immigration, aviation, maritime, and border management authorities.
- Enhanced Surveillance and Scientific Monitoring.
- Enhanced Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) activities nationwide;
- Strengthened event-based and community-based surveillance systems;
- Active monitoring, verification, and investigation of public health alerts and rumours;
- Continuous national risk assessment and epidemiological monitoring; and
- Coordination with regional and international public health partners.
- Laboratory, Emergency Coordination and Health Facility Readiness.
- Specimen collection and transportation systems for viral haemorrhagic diseases;
- Laboratory biosafety and biosecurity protocols;
- Activation and coordination of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs);
- Deployment readiness of Rapid Response Teams at national and sub-national levels;
- Reinforcement of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures across health facilities; and
- Ongoing sensitization and preparedness training for healthcare workers, surveillance officers, and frontline personnel.
Healthcare facilities nationwide have also been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases, and adhere strictly to established reporting protocols.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare urges members of the public to remain calm, avoid misinformation and unverified rumours, and rely only on official updates issued by recognized public health authorities.
Members of the public are advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, avoid contact with dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to the nearest health authority or healthcare facility.
The Ministry will continue to closely monitor developments and provide timely updates as necessary.
All Ebola preparedness advisories, protocols, and technical guidance documents are available on the Ministry’s official website: www.health.gov.ng
Signed:
Ado Bako
Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations
