Susan Abayomi
The Federal Government has directed ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to reduce visits by foreign delegations as Nigeria strengthens measures to contain an imported Ebola case confirmed in Abuja.
The directive comes as 15 states are yet to update their Ebola preparedness and response plans, despite progress recorded in other parts of the country.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed the situation while briefing the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday. He said 21 states had updated their plans and urged the remaining states to take urgent steps to strengthen their preparedness.
The directive affects official visits, exchange programmes and study tours involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, military institutions and security agencies, particularly where visitors have travelled through countries affected by the outbreak.
According to information contained in the report, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure compliance with established health protocols and reduce the number of visiting delegations.
Military institutions and security agencies that regularly host foreign participants for exchange programmes and study tours are also expected to comply with the precautionary measures.
The Federal Government’s response follows the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory. The patient is receiving care in isolation, while health authorities continue investigations into her travel history and possible exposure.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the travel information initially provided to it identified Uganda but did not include a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ugandan authorities, however, maintained that the patient had travelled to eastern DRC on business before transiting through Uganda. Investigators are working to establish where the infection occurred.
Pate assured members of the NEC that Nigeria had the institutional capacity to respond to the case, while emphasising the importance of coordinated action across the states.
He identified surveillance at entry points, laboratory testing, adequate medical supplies, personal protective equipment, public communication and coordination among relevant institutions as essential components of the response.
In Kaduna State, the government has intensified surveillance and early-detection measures through its Rapid Response Team, working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other stakeholders.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmed, directed public and private health facilities, healthcare workers and disease surveillance officers to strengthen monitoring and remain alert to suspected cases.
She urged residents to remain calm, continue their normal activities and cooperate with officials involved in contact tracing and monitoring.
Ahmed also advised residents to seek prompt medical attention at recognised health facilities if symptoms develop, particularly following possible exposure or travel to an affected area. She further emphasised regular handwashing, avoiding contact with the body fluids of suspected patients and promptly reporting suspected cases.
Meanwhile, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has directed agencies under his ministry to intensify public education on Ebola.
The directive covers the National Orientation Agency, Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria and News Agency of Nigeria.
Idris said accurate and timely information was essential to the containment effort. He tasked the agencies with working alongside the health ministry and NCDC to ensure that communities receive clear, verified information in languages they understand.
The National Orientation Agency was also directed to use its nationwide offices to mobilise traditional and religious leaders, community organisations and the media for grassroots sensitisation.
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has similarly called on employers to strengthen workplace hygiene and educate workers about precautions, warning that disease outbreaks could disrupt business activities, supply chains and livelihoods.
Its Director-General, Agabaidu Jideani, urged residents and employers to follow public health guidance and avoid circulating unverified information.
He also advised people who suspect possible Ebola infection to contact the NCDC through its official channels for guidance before visiting a health facility.
The Coalition for Renewed Hope commended the response measures and called on the Senate to expedite approval of emergency funding to strengthen screening and preparedness nationwide.
Beyond the Ebola response, the NEC considered a report on polio eradication and urged states to review vaccination campaigns, particularly in communities where some children were missed. It also called for timely release of counterpart funds, stronger routine immunisation and improved coordination to address insecurity-related gaps in vaccination coverage.
As investigations into the Abuja case continue, federal and state authorities are emphasising surveillance, public awareness and coordination to reduce the risk of further transmission.
