The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that although Nigeria is not fully prepared for a possible Ebola outbreak, the country still has the capacity to contain the virus if it enters.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, made this known on Friday during a press briefing in Lagos amid renewed concerns over Ebola cases reported in parts of East Africa.
He admitted that Nigeria’s preparedness is not at 100 per cent but stressed that existing systems can still halt the spread of the disease if detected early.
He said it is not possible for any country, including even developed nations such as the United States, to be fully prepared for an outbreak.
However, he assured that if Ebola enters Nigeria, the country would be able to contain it using the current knowledge and response systems already in place.
He said, “We have already classified the risk of Ebola being imported into Nigeria as high because of increased international travel, population movement, and our porous borders.”
According to him, surveillance has been strengthened at key entry points across the country, especially international airports.
“For Nigeria, our main focus is on points of entry. What we have done is strengthen surveillance at these points,” he said.
He added that health screening is ongoing at international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, where port health officials, immigration officers, aviation authorities, and state agencies work together to monitor incoming passengers.
The NCDC boss said travellers from high-risk countries are screened and required to complete health declaration forms before entry.
However, he acknowledged challenges in the health system, including shortages of health workers and limited laboratory capacity for Ebola testing.
Dr Idris also urged Nigerians not to panic or spread false information about the disease, warning that fear can worsen the situation.
He assured that the NCDC will remain transparent if any case is confirmed in the country.
Nigeria can contain Ebola – NCDC
