Federal Government Cautions Nigerians Against Non-Essential Travel As Ebola Resurfaces In Congo And Surveillance Heightens

 

The Federal Government has advised Nigerians to suspend all non-essential travel to countries that have confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. This advisory follows reports of new outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reigniting memories of the 2014 crisis which took many lives and left the nation on edge. The move is part of preventive measures aimed at safeguarding Nigeria from a recurrence of the deadly epidemic.

Authorities through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have assured citizens that no Ebola cases have been detected in the country. However, they have moved to strengthen preventive systems, focusing on border controls, health surveillance and emergency readiness across the federation. The proactive stance reflects lessons learned from the past outbreak when Nigeria battled successfully to contain the virus after its first case arrived through Lagos.

Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, stressed that the agency has already placed the nation’s health system on heightened alert. He explained that an emergency response team has been activated and is closely monitoring both local and international developments. According to him, this multi-layered preparedness plan is designed to ensure swift identification, containment and treatment of any suspected case that might emerge.

Airports, seaports and land borders are now under tighter scrutiny. Health officials have been deployed with tools for screening passengers arriving from affected countries. The NCDC is also collaborating with state governments and medical institutions to increase the flow of accurate information, promote community awareness, and prevent misinformation that could trigger unnecessary panic. Idris underlined the importance of vigilance and responsible communication, calling on citizens to support the government’s efforts through cooperation and reporting of suspicious symptoms.

The Federal Ministry of Health has also been fully briefed, and coordination with international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) has been strengthened. This collaboration is expected to provide Nigeria with real-time updates on the evolving situation in Congo and other parts of Central Africa. Officials maintain that Nigeria’s current infrastructure and experience place it in a better position to respond quickly compared to the 2014 scenario.

Public health experts continue to emphasize that preventive measures are more effective than reactive responses. Citizens have been urged to observe good hygiene practices, avoid unnecessary contact with wild animals, and seek medical care promptly if they develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, or bleeding. The NCDC has also released emergency hotlines that can be contacted for guidance and immediate reporting.

Travel advisories are particularly focused on discouraging unnecessary journeys to regions currently grappling with confirmed Ebola cases. For Nigerians whose travels are unavoidable, authorities advise strict adherence to safety protocols, such as regular hand washing, use of protective masks where needed, and immediate medical consultation if symptoms appear.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe illness often leading to death if untreated. It spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals, as well as through contaminated materials. The 2014 outbreak in West Africa was one of the most devastating episodes in recent history, with Nigeria recording 20 cases and eight deaths before successful containment. That effort drew global recognition and positioned the country as an example of effective emergency response.

Despite the current reassurance that no Ebola cases exist within Nigeria’s borders, officials are determined not to take chances. The NCDC has mobilized a communication campaign to ensure that ordinary Nigerians understand both the risks and the preventive actions available to them. Community leaders and media organizations are being engaged to amplify the message across diverse platforms, including rural areas that often face information gaps.

Experts warn that complacency remains the biggest threat. The reopening of global travel routes, economic activities and regional trade increases the chances of infectious diseases crossing borders swiftly. Hence, early detection, rapid isolation and effective treatment remain crucial components of Nigeria’s public health defense.

The government has reiterated that safeguarding public health requires collective responsibility. Citizens are encouraged to remain calm but attentive, report suspected cases promptly, and avoid spreading unverified information on social media platforms. This, according to officials, is key to preventing panic and ensuring coordinated responses.

While the latest outbreak in Congo is being closely watched, Nigeria’s health authorities are confident in the country’s ability to prevent importation and manage any cases if they occur. Dr. Idris concluded by assuring Nigerians that every precaution is being taken, but vigilance from both government and the public is the strongest shield against the virus.