Nigeria Raises Ebola Alert as Outbreak Worsens in Central Africa

No confirmed case. No panic. But a very clear message from the Nigerian government — we are watching, and we are ready.

The Federal Government has placed Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, and 19 other states on heightened Ebola surveillance. The move comes as the deadly virus continues to spread in parts of Central and East Africa, where at least 177 deaths have been recorded from approximately 700 suspected cases.

What Triggered the Alert

The Ebola outbreak first appeared in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province in late April 2026. It has since spread to Uganda, which closed its borders with the DRC for at least four weeks after recording seven cases and one death.

Nigeria’s NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed the nationwide alert. He explained that international travel, porous borders, and possible delayed symptom recognition — since Ebola symptoms can overlap with malaria and Lassa fever — make Nigeria particularly vulnerable.

Lagos Takes Action at the Airport

Lagos State moved quickly. Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi led a high-level inspection team to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, noting that MMIA handles about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s international passenger traffic.

“Ebola is a highly dangerous disease and any suspected case must be isolated quickly and professionally,” Abayomi said. As a result, the airport has updated its Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan and activated its Emergency Management Team.

The Reassurance

Importantly, no Ebola case has been confirmed in Nigeria. The NCDC reassured Nigerians that the virus is not airborne and that the country’s response systems are active and improving.

Lagos State’s LAWMA Director-General Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin reinforced that message, stating that Lagos remains on high alert but that vigilance does not mean panic. Nigeria has successfully contained Ebola before. The plan is to ensure it never gains a foothold again.