The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has introduced enhanced surveillance measures for travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission. This move is in response to the evolving Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where health authorities continue to manage an outbreak of the disease. Passengers from affected countries may be required to complete Health Declaration Forms as part of efforts to improve early detection, risk assessment, contact tracing, and response to potential cases.
The NCDC's decision follows a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The measures are designed to keep Nigeria's response proportionate to identified risks while maintaining vigilance against emerging health threats. Travellers from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission may need to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures. However, travellers arriving from other countries are currently exempted from completing the form.
The information collected through the declaration process will support surveillance activities, including identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, monitoring symptoms, and facilitating timely public health interventions. The NCDC urged Nigerians and travellers to remain alert to symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease, particularly those with recent travel history or possible exposure to infected individuals. Symptoms of Ebola may include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, stated that Nigeria is strengthening its preparedness activities in response to the changing epidemiological situation. He noted that the country's measures would continue to be reviewed based on new information, evolving risks, and updated public health assessments. The NCDC stressed that Nigeria's approach is based on prevention, preparedness, and early response rather than alarm. Public health experts have consistently emphasised that early detection remains one of the most effective tools in controlling infectious disease outbreaks.
Implementing the new surveillance measures involves coordination among key government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). State ministries of health are also involved in preparedness activities, while international partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) continue to provide technical support.
The latest measures come as the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to battle an Ebola outbreak. By September 20, 2026, the country had recorded 7,672 confirmed cases, including 3,699 deaths, based on data up to September 19. A total of 886 patients were reported to be receiving care in isolation facilities, while 1,879 people infected with the Bundibugyo virus variant had recovered. Nearly 80 per cent of identified contacts in affected provinces were under follow-up.
Nigeria has previous experience responding to Ebola, having successfully contained an outbreak introduced through an infected traveller in 2014. Building on that experience, health authorities have continued to strengthen disease surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, emergency response structures, and border health protocols. The NCDC reassured Nigerians that the current measures are part of routine public health preparedness and are intended to protect communities while allowing evidence-based decisions to guide national response efforts.
Key points
- The NCDC has introduced enhanced surveillance measures for travellers from countries with active Ebola transmission.
- The measures aim to improve early detection, risk assessment, contact tracing, and response to potential Ebola cases.
- Nigeria's approach is based on prevention, preparedness, and early response rather than alarm.
