• Keyamo places 44 contacts on ‘no-fly’ record
•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 staff, 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 referred to as for the rapid 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 steer clear of congregational prayers pending medical evaluation.
In the identical vein, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has demanded accountability for the N10 billion reportedly authorized 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 acceptable medical intervention, as public well being officers warn that early detection, contact tracing and strict an infection prevention measures are crucial 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 inserting private and non-private well being amenities on alert and directing them to report suspected circumstances instantly.
Medical consultants 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 may deal with Ebola illness lately found in the nation.
Chairman of the Task Force and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, stated this whereas talking to 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 simple to detect the index case found yesterday.
“It’s crucial 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 power and all of the businesses 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 shifting 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 businesses, 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 do 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 varied pillars.
“They are working day and night time diligently, and our hospital capabilities are additionally activated, such that we will 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 may trigger pointless panic. The Task Force management has met. WHO and Africa CDC are working carefully with the staff.
“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 referred to 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 referred to as for obligatory well being screening at worldwide airports, seaports and designated land borders to forestall the unfold of Ebola and different epidemic-prone illnesses.
Faduyile, a professor of medication, warned that Nigeria couldn’t afford to take possibilities with its public well being infrastructure, notably because the pressure accountable for the outbreak had no authorized 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 means of affected areas inside the previous 21 days, no matter their nationality or nation of departure.
The senator referred to as for the supply of skilled port well being officers, thermal scanners, private protecting gear 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 out there.
He additional really useful the institution of purposeful isolation and remedy centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside stronger contact tracing and surveillance mechanisms.
Faduyile additionally referred to as for a evaluate of the Quarantine Act of 1926 to carry the laws in line with modern 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 rapid precedence was to strengthen the businesses accountable for illness surveillance and management.
The Senate President subsequently put the proposal to a vote, with the vast majority of lawmakers rejecting the visits whereas retaining help for measures to strengthen the nation’s response.
Contributing to the controversy, 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 illnesses.
Senator Sadiq Umar, representing Kwara North, referred to as for the deployment of acceptable 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 authorized budgetary allocations to turn out to be out there.
Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, additionally supported calls to amend the Quarantine Act.
House Seeks Strategic Action
The House of Representatives has referred to as on the federal authorities to right away mobilise private and non-private well being businesses 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 looking for 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 circumstances, conducting acceptable laboratory investigations, isolating confirmed circumstances, tracing contacts and offering well timed medical care may enhance the chance 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 staff’ preparedness and restricted emergency response capability may undermine efforts to forestall and include the outbreak.
It emphasised the crucial 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 right away mobilise all related personal, state and federal well being businesses and place them on excessive alert to include the illness.
It additionally urged the federal authorities, by means of the Ministry of Finance, to urgently launch all excellent appropriated funds to related well being businesses to allow them to successfully discharge their obligations.
In one other decision, the lawmakers urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to right away 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 authorized for Ebola preparedness, alleging that Nigeria’s response to the confirmed case has uncovered gaps in surveillance, emergency funding and the safety of healthcare staff.
In a press release issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku referred to 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 remedy at a personal hospital on October 11, whereas the federal government publicly confirmed the case on October 20.
He demanded explanations concerning the dealing with of the 44 contacts reportedly related to the case and alleged that non-public healthcare staff lacked ample protecting gear.
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 consultants, together with epidemiologists, docs 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 collaborating 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 lately arrived from Uganda.
According to WAHO, the affected person developed signs on October 7 and acquired remedy at a personal 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 bolster regional vigilance and coordination.
It burdened that early detection, immediate notification of suspected circumstances, efficient epidemiological surveillance and coordination amongst well being companies have been crucial to containing epidemic-prone illnesses.
The organisation suggested the general public to scrub their arms continuously 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 carried out 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 individuals to make sure that meat was completely cooked.
People experiencing signs in step with 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 experiences.
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 info 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 circumstances, 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 gear for well being staff.
In a press release, the organisation urged all nations in the area to maintain a excessive degree of readiness because the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve.
“Kenya has reported 9 circumstances linked to an imported case in current weeks. Countries ought to keep robust illness surveillance and fast alert investigation, guarantee laboratories can safely check suspected circumstances, maintain fast response and scientific groups prepared for rapid 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 must also heighten monitoring at factors of entry, with response plans in place. Sustained readiness is important to detect circumstances early, forestall onward transmission and defend well being staff and communities.
“WHO advises against any restriction of journey to, or commerce with, affected nations, and continues to carefully monitor and, the place needed, 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, below 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 referred to as on chief imams, Islamic students, state councils for Islamic affairs and Muslim organisations to accentuate public consciousness by means of Friday sermons, spiritual 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 means 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 circumstances, unexplained bleeding as signs requiring consideration.
It urged Nigerians to scrub their arms usually, keep away from contact with suspected circumstances and promptly report suspected infections to the suitable well being authorities.
The council additionally referred to 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 staff and well timed dissemination of correct info.
Emphasising the spiritual foundation for the measures, the NSCIA stated the preservation of life, identified in Islamic jurisprudence as Hifz al-Nafs, was one of many basic goals of Islamic regulation.
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 info 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 schooling and illness prevention.
The NSCIA urged Nigerians to stay calm and act responsibly, stressing that religion, prayer and acceptable 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, keep strict private hygiene and promptly report suspected circumstances 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 crucial to containing the risk.
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 means of direct contact with the blood and different bodily fluids of an contaminated particular person.
“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 particular person, 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 after they encounter a affected person with fever or different signs that elevate 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 staff concerning the dangers related to eradicating private protecting gear after attending to suspected or confirmed circumstances.
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 out there 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 bolstered throughout well being centres to guard frontline staff and sufferers.
The commissioner appealed to residents to stay calm, keep away from panic and observe fundamental 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 residing 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 means 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 could possibly be recognized promptly and referred for acceptable medical evaluation, whereas surveillance and response programs remained on standby.
