In response to the latest Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Federal Government of Nigeria has stepped up health screening and surveillance measures at all points of entry into the country.
Dr. Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with on Friday. He confirmed that the government had intensified health checks across Nigeria’s airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent the virus from entering the country.
“We have intensified surveillance at all points of entry,” Nse said. “Every inbound traveller from Congo is being thoroughly screened, including those transiting through the country. We’ve also reactivated our portals and mandated health declarations.”
The health ministry has bolstered its workforce at border points, with additional staff deployed to enhance monitoring efforts. Nse noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting these efforts, and private sector partnerships have helped ensure that thermal scanners at airports remain operational.
Ebola Resurfaces in DR Congo
Health authorities in the DRC declared a new outbreak of Ebola in Kasai Province after 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths—including four health workers—were reported as of September 5, 2025. The outbreak was confirmed on September 3 by the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, which identified the Ebola Zaire strain, the most lethal variant of the virus.
This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976. Kasai Province has experienced previous outbreaks in 2007 and 2008. The DRC’s most recent outbreak, in Equateur Province in April 2022, was contained within three months.
Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals. Human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
WHO Mobilizes Support
The World Health Organization has released \$500,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support the DRC’s response efforts. WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the deployment of rapid response teams, including epidemiologists, lab technicians, and infection control experts, to help contain the outbreak.
“We’ve deployed personal protective equipment, medical supplies, a mobile laboratory, and are now rolling out 2,000 pre-positioned doses of the Ebola vaccine in Kinshasa,” Tedros stated at a global health media briefing.
Experts Warn: “Don’t Let Down Our Guard”
Health experts in Nigeria have urged the government and citizens to remain vigilant. Associate Professor Oladipo Kolawole of Adeleke University emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination and public awareness.
“We must tighten our surveillance systems,” Kolawole said. “There is already awareness and infrastructure in place based on past experiences, especially through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Dr. Moses Adewumi, a virologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, echoed similar sentiments. “Early detection is the key to prevention. We can’t stop people from travelling, but our screening procedures must be airtight,” he warned. He called for improved coordination among public health agencies, expanded laboratory capacity, and well-trained response teams to tackle any potential outbreak swiftly.
Dr. Iorhen Akase, Head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, underscored the role of community vigilance. “The risk of transmission is highest when someone is symptomatic. Government scanners are in place, but communities must also be alert and report suspicious illnesses immediately.”
Public Health Preparedness
Nigeria’s health authorities are relying on lessons learned from the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which was swiftly contained following an imported case in Lagos. Since then, national capacity for detection and response has improved, with expanded laboratory networks and strengthened emergency preparedness systems.
As the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo continues to unfold, public health officials are urging Nigerians, particularly travellers, to cooperate with screening procedures and report any symptoms of illness promptly.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to preventing the spread of the virus into the country, assuring citizens that necessary health protocols are firmly in place.
If you’re travelling from affected regions or know someone who is, you are advised to:
* Declare your travel history at all points of entry.
* Report any symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or unexplained bleeding.
* Visit the nearest health facility if unwell.
* Stay informed through official health updates.
For more information, visit the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) website: (https://www.ncdc.gov.ng)
Stay tuned for updates.
