The Federal Government has moved to reassure Nigerians that the country is fully equipped and operationally ready to contain any Ebola outbreak, following confirmation of the first imported index case in Abuja.
The Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness, Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats gave the assurance after an emergency meeting at the State House on Wednesday.
Task Force Chairman and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, stated that robust groundwork laid since the body’s inauguration in June enabled the swift detection of the case, even though the affected passenger showed no symptoms upon entry into the country.
He said symptoms only developed four days later, and existing identification protocols immediately flagged the situation.
“Since the Ebola issue arose in June, approximately 44,000 flights have travelled in and out of Nigeria. That we have maintained vigilance through all of this is testament to the dedication of the Ministry of Health, the Task Force, and every agency involved—all hands have truly been on deck,” Gbajabiamila said.
He pledged continuous reinforcement of protocols and stricter enforcement going forward, urging citizens to partner with authorities rather than give in to fear.
“The Task Force is on top of this; the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is on top of this. We must build trust and shun panic, but success depends on government and the people working together. We ask all Nigerians to comply with public health guidance for the common good.”
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, reinforced that nationwide surveillance networks are fully functional, drawing on expertise across federal and state agencies, private health providers, immigration, aviation, and security services.
According to him, dedicated contact tracing is already underway, with all known contacts of the index case isolated and being closely monitored.
“Our incident management system is fully activated across all response pillars, working in lockstep with the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Teams are on duty around the clock; treatment facilities are primed; nearly all states have tested and ready response plans. We are mobilising every resource available,” Prof. Pate confirmed.
He noted that Nigeria can draw on deep experience, crediting public health veterans who successfully contained the 2014 Ebola threat and have since lent their expertise to other nations.
“We are confident this outbreak can be contained, but we will not relent. Citizens must avoid misinformation and unfounded rumours—these only fuel unnecessary panic. Follow official guidance, and together we will emerge stronger.”
Wednesday’s meeting brought together leaders from across the health, security, aviation, and international public health sectors, including Nigeria Immigration Service Comptroller‑General Kemi Nandap, FAAN leadership, WHO Country Representative Pavel Ursu, and AfricaCDC’s Dr Aliko Ahmed. State and health officials from across the country also participated, including Lagos State Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi.
The Federal Government reiterated that updates will be issued promptly and urged the public to rely only on verified information from the Ministry of Health and the NCDC.
