• Keyamo places 44 contacts on ‘no-fly’ checklist
•Atiku calls for accountability on N10bn preparedness fund
Emmanuel Addeh, Olawale Ajimotokan, Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade, Juliet Akoje in Abuja and Ayodeji Ake in Lagos
The federal authorities, state governments, the National Assembly and public well being establishments yesterday intensified efforts to forestall the unfold of Ebola in Nigeria, mobilising well being employees, strengthening illness surveillance and urging Nigerians to undertake precautionary measures following affirmation of an imported case in Abuja.
The response got here because the Senate and House of Representatives known as for the fast launch of emergency funds to strengthen the nation’s preparedness, whereas the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) stepped up regional surveillance and coordination.
Besides, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) urged individuals suspected of an infection to avoid congregational prayers pending medical evaluation.
In the identical vein, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has demanded accountability for the N10 billion reportedly permitted for Ebola preparedness, questioning how a lot had been launched and the way the cash had been spent.
Health authorities have recognized 44 contacts linked to the confirmed case and are tracing them for monitoring and applicable medical intervention, as public well being officers warn that early detection, contact tracing and strict an infection prevention measures are vital to stopping additional transmission.
Also, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) yesterday convened its first Incident Management Meeting following the official declaration of the outbreak, bringing collectively its management and key companions to coordinate response actions.
The growth has prompted heightened vigilance throughout states, with Niger State putting private and non-private well being amenities on alert and directing them to report suspected instances instantly.
Medical specialists have additionally urged Nigerians to keep away from pointless bodily contact, practise common handwashing and search immediate medical consideration in the event that they develop signs or suspect publicity.
FG Assures Nigerians of Containment Strategies
The Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness, Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats yesterday night assured Nigerians it will possibly deal with Ebola illness just lately found in the nation.
Chairman of the Task Force and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, stated this whereas chatting with newsmen after the group’s emergency assembly on the State House, Abuja.
Gbajabiamila stated the Task Force has been working behind the scenes because it was inaugurated in June this yr including that this knowledgeable why it was straightforward to detect the index case found yesterday.
“It’s essential to notice this. Since the problem of Ebola got here up in June, there have been about 44, 000 flights in and out of Nigeria. So, it’s due to what the Ministry of Health, the duty pressure and all of the companies have been doing. All arms have been on deck.
“The passenger with the disease showed no symptoms, which came four days after the woman got into Abuja, and it was the identification process and the protocols that were put in place that enabled the quick identification. That also speaks to the country’s capacity and ability to deal with this disease as best as we can,” he added.
He assured Nigerians that the Task Force would strengthen no matter wanted strengthening, the protocols, and guarantee extra rigorous enforcement transferring ahead.
“The Task Force is on top of it. NCDC is on top of it; everyone is on deck. We must build community trust and avoid panic, but it’s also important to state clearly that this is a collaborative effort between the government and the people,” he said.
Also talking, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, stated Nigeria has competent well being authorities, together with personal hospital operators and companies, Immigration, Aviation, Interior, and subnational actors, who’ve put surveillance programs in place throughout the nation, prepared to reply.
“We have been conducting contact tracing diligently and isolating these contacts of the index imported case in this nation. We will proceed to try this, and we wish to reassure Nigerians that the federal authorities, alongside its technical companions, the World Health Organisation, the Africa Centre for Disease Control, and our personal Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, have activated the incident administration system throughout the assorted pillars.
“They are working day and night time diligently, and our hospital capabilities are additionally activated, such that we are able to intention to include this case, as has been the case in different nations, however we is not going to relent. Our inhabitants ought to respect public well being directives.
“Most of our states have adequate response plans. We have the resources, and we’re mobilising those capabilities. And we’re also confident that if we continue on this path, we should be able to dent this outbreak,” he said.
He additional urged residents to keep away from misinformation whereas combating the virus.
“The key additionally for the inhabitants is to keep away from spreading misinformation or baseless rumours, which might trigger pointless panic. The Task Force management has met. WHO and Africa CDC are working carefully with the group.
“In addition to our exceptional public health physicians who had successfully tamed this virus in 2014, and had contributed to other countries, we are confident that if we continue in this direction, we will emerge from this crisis in a much stronger place,” Pate assured.
Senate Demands Immediate Release of Emergency Funds
The Senate yesterday known as on the federal authorities to launch emergency funds from the Service Wide Vote to strengthen Nigeria’s illness surveillance and response system, following affirmation of the Ebola case in Abuja.
The higher chamber, nonetheless, rejected a proposal for related Senate committees to go to main worldwide entry factors to evaluate the nation’s preparedness, after Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned the need of the train and raised considerations about exposing lawmakers to doable an infection.
The resolutions adopted a movement sponsored by Senator Francis Faduyile, representing Ondo South, who known as for obligatory well being screening at worldwide airports, seaports and designated land borders to forestall the unfold of Ebola and different epidemic-prone ailments.
Faduyile, a professor of drugs, warned that Nigeria couldn’t afford to take probabilities with its public well being infrastructure, notably because the pressure answerable for the outbreak had no permitted vaccine.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NCDC and Port Health Services to implement obligatory screening for worldwide arrivals, together with well being declaration varieties, temperature checks and symptom assessments.
He additionally advocated enhanced screening for travellers who had visited or transited by way of affected areas inside the previous 21 days, no matter their nationality or nation of departure.
The senator known as for the supply of skilled port well being officers, thermal scanners, private protecting tools and correctly geared up isolation rooms at entry factors, whereas urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service to make sure that ample personnel and amenities have been obtainable.
He additional advisable the institution of useful isolation and therapy centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside stronger contact tracing and surveillance mechanisms.
Faduyile additionally known as for a assessment of the Quarantine Act of 1926 to convey the laws in line with up to date public well being realities and the International Health Regulations.
He proposed that Senate committees on Health, Primary Healthcare, Development and Disease Control, Aviation, Interior, and Appropriations go to main entry factors and submit a report inside 4 weeks.
However, Akpabio opposed the proposed visits, questioning whether or not lawmakers wanted to journey to the entry factors when the fast precedence was to strengthen the companies answerable for illness surveillance and management.
The Senate President subsequently put the proposal to a vote, with nearly all of lawmakers rejecting the visits whereas retaining help for measures to strengthen the nation’s response.
Contributing to the talk, Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South, burdened the necessity to strengthen Nigeria’s well being system to guard residents against Ebola and different epidemic-prone ailments.
Senator Sadiq Umar, representing Kwara North, known as for the deployment of applicable know-how to enhance contact tracing, whereas Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, urged the federal authorities to launch emergency sources with out ready for beforehand permitted budgetary allocations to turn out to be obtainable.
Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, additionally supported calls to amend the Quarantine Act.
House Seeks Strategic Action
The House of Representatives has known as on the federal authorities to instantly mobilise private and non-private well being companies throughout the nation and place them on excessive alert following a reported Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case involving a lady who arrived in Abuja from Uganda.
The name adopted a movement of pressing nationwide significance sponsored by Hon. Amobi Ogah on October 21, 2026 in search of stronger preventive and emergency medical measures to curb the unfold of the illness in Nigeria.
Ogah expressed concern over the reported case which he stated was confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 involving a lady who arrived from Uganda and examined constructive for the virus in Abuja.
The lawmakers famous that Ebola Virus Disease is a extreme and doubtlessly deadly infectious illness that requires immediate detection, efficient an infection prevention and management measures and coordinated public well being interventions to forestall transmission and save lives.
They warned that delays in figuring out suspected instances, conducting applicable laboratory investigations, isolating confirmed instances, tracing contacts and offering well timed medical care may improve the danger of transmission and place further strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The House additional expressed concern that insufficient public consciousness, inadequate an infection prevention and management provides, gaps in healthcare employees’ preparedness and restricted emergency response capability may undermine efforts to forestall and include the outbreak.
It emphasised the vital roles of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, state ministries of well being, port well being authorities and different related stakeholders in strengthening the nation’s epidemic preparedness and response mechanisms.
The lawmaker additionally acknowledged the significance of collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and different related worldwide and regional public well being establishments to make sure that Nigeria’s preventive and emergency response measures are guided by present scientific proof and worldwide well being laws.
Consequently, the House resolved to mandate the federal authorities to instantly mobilise all related personal, state and federal well being companies and place them on excessive alert to include the illness.
It additionally urged the federal authorities, by way of the Ministry of Finance, to urgently launch all excellent appropriated funds to related well being companies to allow them to successfully discharge their tasks.
In one other decision, the lawmakers urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to instantly assess the funding anticipated to be launched in order to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response capability against the illness, in line with present epidemiological proof and public well being steerage.
Atiku Demands Accountability for N10bn Fund
Former Vice President Atiku has demanded an in depth account of the N10 billion permitted for Ebola preparedness, alleging that Nigeria’s response to the confirmed case has uncovered gaps in surveillance, emergency funding and the safety of healthcare employees.
In a press release issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku known as on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reveal how a lot of the introduced funding had been launched, the dates of disbursement, contracts awarded, beneficiaries and objects delivered.
“Ebola is a grave public health threat. Nigerians deserve urgent action, competent leadership and the truth,” he stated. “Where is the money? Publish the amount actually disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered,” Atiku added.
He argued that pronouncing emergency funding was inadequate with out verifiable proof of disbursement and utilisation, calling for a proper audit to determine how the cash had been spent.
The former vice chairman additionally questioned the timeline of the reported case, alleging that the affected person arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed signs on October 7 and sought therapy at a non-public hospital on October 11, whereas the federal government publicly confirmed the case on October 20.
He demanded explanations in regards to the dealing with of the 44 contacts reportedly related to the case and alleged that non-public healthcare employees lacked ample protecting tools.
Atiku additionally questioned the management construction of the response, recalling that Tinubu introduced a Presidential Task Force chaired by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, in June.
He maintained that medical specialists, together with epidemiologists, medical doctors and public well being professionals, ought to lead the technical response, with the authority and sources required to handle the outbreak.
The former vice chairman additional alleged that the Minister of Health’s deliberate press convention was supposed to discourage Nigerians from attending marketing campaign rallies and taking part in voting. He warned that the outbreak may worsen financial pressures if the response disrupted motion, livelihoods and business actions.
WAHO, NCDC Step Up Surveillance
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has intensified regional illness surveillance and coordination amongst West African nations following the affirmation of the imported Ebola case in Abuja, amid considerations about doable cross-border transmission.
The ECOWAS well being establishment disclosed that Nigerian authorities confirmed the case on October 20, involving a lady who had just lately arrived from Uganda.
According to WAHO, the affected person developed signs on October 7 and obtained therapy at a non-public well being facility in Abuja on October 11, earlier than laboratory exams confirmed the an infection on October 20.
The organisation stated it was monitoring the state of affairs in collaboration with the NCDC, nationwide well being authorities and regional epidemiological surveillance mechanisms.
As a part of the response, WAHO yesterday held a briefing with administrators of the National Public Health Institutes of ECOWAS member states to strengthen regional vigilance and coordination.
It burdened that early detection, immediate notification of suspected instances, efficient epidemiological surveillance and coordination amongst well being providers have been vital to containing epidemic-prone ailments.
The organisation suggested the general public to scrub their arms often with cleaning soap and clear water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
It additionally urged Nigerians to keep away from direct contact with the blood and different bodily fluids of sick or deceased individuals, in addition to contaminated clothes, bedding and private belongings.
WAHO warned against dealing with the our bodies of people that died from suspected causes, recommending that protected and dignified burials be performed by skilled groups.
It additional suggested against dealing with or consuming bushmeat and cautioned against contact with sick or useless animals, together with bats and primates, urging folks to make sure that meat was totally cooked.
People experiencing signs per Ebola, together with sudden fever, extreme fatigue, physique aches, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding, have been suggested to contact or search help from a well being facility instantly.
WAHO additionally urged travellers to keep away from non-essential journeys to affected areas and adjust to official well being steerage the place journey was unavoidable.
Warning against misinformation throughout public well being emergencies, the organisation urged Nigerians to depend on official sources and chorus from circulating rumours or unverified reviews.
It reaffirmed its dedication to working with the well being ministries of ECOWAS member states and technical and monetary companions to strengthen regional well being safety.
The organisation stated its specialised Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control, based mostly in Abuja, would proceed monitoring developments and sharing related data in coordination with the suitable well being authorities.
Besides, the NCDC yesterday convened its first Incident Management Meeting following the official declaration of the outbreak in Nigeria.
The assembly introduced collectively the company’s management and key companions to align response efforts because the Incident Action Plan was being finalised.
NCDC groups have been additionally conducting case administration and response actions, with emphasis on enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, an infection prevention and management, and coordinated danger communication.
The measures are supposed to strengthen the detection and administration of suspected instances, establish individuals who might have been uncovered to the virus and restrict potential transmission. The company reaffirmed its dedication to a well timed, coordinated and evidence-based response, stressing the significance of collaboration amongst stakeholders.
WHO Urges Nigeria, Others to Strengthen Measures
The World Health Organisation (WHO), has suggested nations in Africa to strengthen management measures, together with case investigation, contact tracing, an infection prevention and management. This adopted reported import of Ebola into Nigeria’s federal capital territory, Abuja.
WHO stated it was working carefully with, “companions and well being authorities to strengthen management measures, together with case investigation, contact tracing, an infection prevention and management, and provision of important provides together with private protecting tools for well being employees.
In a press release, the organisation urged all nations in the area to maintain a excessive stage of readiness because the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve.
“Kenya has reported 9 instances linked to an imported case in current weeks. Countries ought to preserve sturdy illness surveillance and fast alert investigation, guarantee laboratories can safely check suspected instances, hold fast response and scientific groups prepared for fast activation, reinforce an infection prevention and management in each private and non-private well being amenities, and pre-position important provides, whereas actively partaking with communities.
“They also needs to heighten monitoring at factors of entry, with response plans in place. Sustained readiness is important to detect instances early, stop onward transmission and defend well being employees and communities.
“WHO advises against any restriction of journey to, or commerce with, affected nations, and continues to carefully monitor and, the place crucial, confirm journey and commerce measures in relation to this occasion.
“WHO risk assessment is being regularly reassessed, to incorporate the latest developments related to this event.”
NSCIA Bars Suspected Ebola Carriers from Prayers
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged individuals suspected of Ebola an infection to chorus from attending congregational prayers pending medical evaluation, as a part of measures to forestall the unfold of the illness.
The council, underneath the management of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’advert Abubakar, made the decision in a public well being advisory issued yesterday following the reported laboratory affirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.
In the advisory signed by the NSCIA Secretary General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the council urged Muslims to adjust to medical steerage and prioritise the preservation of life.
It known as on chief imams, Islamic students, state councils for Islamic affairs and Muslim organisations to accentuate public consciousness by way of Friday sermons, non secular gatherings and group engagements.
The council additionally suggested anybody experiencing signs related to Ebola, notably following doable publicity, to hunt immediate medical consideration and keep away from shut contact with others whereas awaiting skilled steerage.
It warned that Ebola may unfold by way of direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of contaminated individuals who had developed signs, contaminated supplies or the our bodies of people that had died from the illness.
The NSCIA recognized fever, extreme headache, weak spot, muscle ache, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some instances, unexplained bleeding as signs requiring consideration.
It urged Nigerians to scrub their arms usually, keep away from contact with suspected instances and promptly report suspected infections to the suitable well being authorities.
The council additionally known as on the federal and state governments to strengthen illness surveillance, contact tracing, public enlightenment and healthcare facility preparedness, whereas guaranteeing ample safety for well being employees and well timed dissemination of correct data.
Emphasising the non secular foundation for the measures, the NSCIA stated the preservation of life, recognized in Islamic jurisprudence as Hifz al-Nafs, was one of many basic goals of Islamic legislation.
It referenced Qur’an 2:195, which cautions against throwing oneself into destruction, and recalled the Prophet Muhammad’s steerage on precautions throughout infectious illness outbreaks.
The council urged the general public to keep away from spreading unverified data and to chorus from stigmatising affected people and their households.
It reaffirmed its readiness to mobilise mosques, Islamic organisations and group leaders nationwide to help public well being training and illness prevention.
The NSCIA urged Nigerians to stay calm and act responsibly, stressing that religion, prayer and applicable medical care have been complementary in responding to public well being emergencies.
Expert Urges Nigerians to Avoid Physical Contact
President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, yesterday urged Nigerians to keep away from handshakes and hugs, preserve strict private hygiene and promptly report suspected instances to forestall the unfold of Ebola.
Ashiru made the decision throughout an interview with Arise News, the place he described the state of affairs as severe however manageable, stressing that public consciousness, early detection and strict adherence to an infection prevention measures could be vital to containing the menace.
He recalled Nigeria’s profitable response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Lagos, saying the nation may draw on that have to forestall additional transmission.
“It can be managed. And the way we manage this depends on how we respond to this situation,” he stated. “We successfully managed this in 2014 when there was an index case in Lagos, and it was critically managed and contained,” he added.
Ashiru stated the circumstances surrounding the present an infection, together with whether or not it occurred throughout transit or originated from Uganda, remained unclear. “Right now, we have one case confirmed in Abuja. Whether in transit or from Uganda, we don’t know,” he stated.
He defined that Ebola differed from COVID-19 as a result of it was not airborne and was primarily transmitted by way of direct contact with the blood and different bodily fluids of an contaminated individual.
“In the case of Ebola, the difference between Ebola and COVID-19 is that Ebola is not airborne, whereas COVID-19 is airborne,” he stated.
He recognized contact with the bodily fluids or secretions of an contaminated individual, notably after signs developed, as a serious route of transmission. “The major way you can get it is by contacting the body fluid or secretions of somebody showing the signs of Ebola,” he stated.
The medical skilled suggested Nigerians to droop customary greetings involving bodily contact, together with handshakes and hugs, whereas preventive measures have been strengthened.
“This is a time for Nigerians, as the Academy of Medical Sciences has stressed, to refrain from shaking hands and hugging,” he stated.
The skilled urged private and non-private hospitals, clinics and different healthcare amenities to strengthen surveillance and stay alert to sufferers presenting with signs suggestive of Ebola.
He stated healthcare suppliers should act promptly once they encounter a affected person with fever or different signs that increase suspicion of an infection.
“The private clinics must be on high alert in terms of once you recognise a case with fever or you suspect it, you have to be proactive in suspecting such cases,” he stated.
Ashiru notably cautioned well being employees in regards to the dangers related to eradicating private protecting tools after attending to suspected or confirmed instances.
Niger Ramps Up Surveillance
The Niger State Government has positioned public well being organisations throughout the state on heightened alert following affirmation of the Ebola case in Abuja.
The authorities stated the measures have been precautionary and supposed to strengthen surveillance, early detection and fast response capability, notably due to the frequent motion of individuals and quantity of commerce between Niger State and neighbouring Abuja.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, disclosed this in a press release made obtainable to journalists in Minna yesterday, reassuring residents that no Ebola case had been detected in the state.
He stated the state authorities was collaborating with the NCDC, the World Health Organisation and different worldwide companions to strengthen preparedness and guarantee a coordinated response.
According to him, private and non-private well being amenities throughout the state had been directed to report any suspected case instantly.
Bagana stated Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers and response groups had been deployed to strengthen contact tracing, scientific evaluation and protected referral protocols.
He added that an infection prevention and management measures had been strengthened throughout well being centres to guard frontline employees and sufferers.
The commissioner appealed to residents to stay calm, keep away from panic and observe primary hygiene, notably frequent handwashing with cleaning soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
He additionally suggested residents to keep away from direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of anybody exhibiting signs and warned against spreading unverified rumours or stigmatising people being assessed by public well being officers.
Bagana burdened that dwelling in or travelling to Niger State didn’t, in itself, represent publicity to the virus.
He suggested anybody exhibiting signs or suspecting doable publicity to isolate themselves and speak to public well being authorities by way of designated emergency hotlines earlier than visiting a medical facility.
The state authorities stated the heightened alert was supposed to make sure that suspected infections may very well be recognized promptly and referred for applicable medical evaluation, whereas surveillance and response programs remained on standby.
