The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja has heightened its sensitisation and preventive measures following Nigeria's decision to place the country on high alert over the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at Abuja Airport has commenced awareness campaigns among passengers and relevant airport personnel to prevent the possible importation and spread of the virus.
According to the airport spokesperson, Bishop Kunle, the facility is conducting extensive sensitisation and is prepared to support the screening, monitoring, and tracing of passengers where necessary. The FAAN authority is enforcing the completion of the health declaration form for contact tracing before leaving the airport. These measures are being implemented in line with the public health alert issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC had placed Nigeria on high alert following an update on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, with the Director-General, Jide Idris, stating that preparatory activities were underway to strengthen the country's readiness to respond to any potential threat. Idris mentioned that the preparedness measures would be continuously reviewed in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.
As part of enhanced surveillance, the NCDC advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form and comply with follow-up measures. Passengers arriving from other countries are exempt from completing the form at the time of the advisory. The health agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant for Ebola symptoms and seek medical attention promptly where necessary.
The NCDC further advised travellers to disclose relevant travel or exposure history to health officials where applicable. According to the NCDC, the decision followed a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The Centre reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness, and response to emerging public health threats.
The Ebola situation in the DRC shows that a total of 7,672 confirmed cases, including 3,699 deaths, had been reported as of 20 September 2026, based on information available up to 19 September. The report indicated that 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, while 1,879 people who tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus had recovered. A further 58 confirmed cases and 23 deaths were recorded compared with the previous report issued on 19 September.
The new cases were reported in Ituri, which recorded 38 cases; North Kivu, 14; Haut-Uélé, five; and Tshopo, one. The report also stated that 79.9 per cent of identified contacts of confirmed cases were under follow-up in the affected provinces. The NCDC and FAAN's efforts aim to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure a prompt response in case of any potential outbreak in Nigeria.
Key points
- Nigeria places country on high alert over Ebola outbreak in DRC
- Abuja Airport conducts extensive sensitisation and screening measures
- NCDC advises travellers to disclose relevant travel or exposure history
