The Federal Government is considering imposing flight restrictions on countries affected by the Ebola virus as part of efforts to prevent a possible outbreak in Nigeria.
The move was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, after a high-level emergency meeting in Lagos focused on strengthening Nigeria’s Ebola preparedness and response plans.
According to Gbajabiamila, the government is also weighing the possibility of isolating passengers who show Ebola-related symptoms at airports and other points of entry into the country.
“We looked at the possibility of restricting flights from countries of interest and isolating passengers who may exhibit symptoms of Ebola,” he said.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Lagos State Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi.
Gbajabiamila revealed that President Bola Tinubu has already been briefed on the worsening Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, assuring Nigerians that every necessary measure would be taken to keep the country safe.
The Minister of Interior stated that all entry points into Nigeria would be placed under heightened surveillance, with immigration officials working closely with health authorities to detect and respond swiftly to any suspected cases.
Meanwhile, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris warned that Ebola remains a highly dangerous disease, stressing the importance of prevention, early detection, isolation, and public awareness.
“This virus has no treatment and no vaccine. Public health measures such as isolation, quick detection and public enlightenment remain our strongest defence,” he said.
The NCDC also disclosed that preparedness plans have been activated across all 36 states, while awareness campaigns will be intensified nationwide.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1,000 confirmed and suspected Ebola cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the latest outbreak was declared in May, with over 200 deaths already recorded.
