Nigeria’s Ebola readiness at 59%, NCDC warns of border risks

Nigeria’s public health authorities have stepped up efforts to guard against a possible Ebola outbreak, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealing that the country’s current preparedness level stands at 59 per cent.

Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed the figure during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Monday, saying recent assessments had highlighted areas requiring urgent attention, particularly at airports and border crossings.

According to Idris, preparedness is an ongoing process rather than a fixed target, noting that health threats constantly evolve and require continuous adaptation.

He explained that the agency recently carried out a dynamic risk assessment to evaluate the country’s readiness, identify weaknesses and strengthen measures designed to prevent the virus from entering Nigeria.

One of the major concerns identified during the assessment was the management of entry points into the country. Idris said the Federal Ministry of Health had subsequently issued guidelines for relevant agencies to improve monitoring of international arrivals.

He noted that states hosting international airports were classified as higher risk because they serve as the primary gateways for travellers entering Nigeria.

Despite the focus on air travel, Idris warned that the country’s extensive land borders remain a greater challenge for disease surveillance.

He said many travellers enter Nigeria through unofficial routes and road networks, making it more difficult for authorities to monitor movements and detect potential health threats.

The NCDC chief stressed that preventing the virus from crossing into Nigeria remains a top priority, adding that authorities are working to strengthen border surveillance and emergency response systems.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014, Idris said the experience provided valuable lessons that continue to shape the country’s outbreak response strategy.

He recalled that health officials relied heavily on guidance from international partners, including the World Health Organisation and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during the crisis.

According to him, the core principles that helped Nigeria overcome the outbreak remain unchanged. These include prompt detection of suspected cases, immediate isolation of infected persons, effective contact tracing and rapid laboratory testing.

He explained that Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact, making early identification and strict infection prevention measures critical to controlling transmission.

Idris added that health workers must be adequately protected through the provision of personal protective equipment, while facilities capable of isolating suspected cases must remain operational and accessible.

Although he acknowledged that Nigeria is not fully prepared for an Ebola emergency, he said significant efforts are being made to improve readiness nationwide.

The NCDC has deployed advisers to work with state governments, assessing the availability of isolation centres, emergency operations centres, public health infrastructure and medical stockpiles.

The agency is also expanding laboratory networks, training healthcare personnel and providing essential supplies, including testing materials and protective equipment.

Idris emphasised the importance of strict adherence to standard operating procedures by healthcare workers, warning that failure to follow established protocols could increase the risk of infection.

He also highlighted public awareness campaigns as a crucial component of preparedness efforts, saying informed communities play a vital role in preventing disease outbreaks.

Beyond Ebola, the NCDC boss revealed that Nigeria is currently responding to between seven and eight disease outbreaks, including cholera and Lassa fever.

He noted that cholera continues to claim lives in several communities, while Lassa fever remains a recurring challenge due to its seasonal nature and the presence of rodent carriers.

Idris linked the persistence of Lassa fever in some areas to cultural practices and lifestyle habits, including the consumption of rodents and bushmeat.

Drawing from a recent visit to Ondo State, he said some local customs continue to complicate efforts to reduce infections despite sustained public health campaigns.

He urged state governments to take a more active role in disease prevention and emergency response, arguing that effective outbreak management requires strong leadership at both federal and state levels.

“The responsibility cannot rest solely on the Federal Government,” Idris said, calling on subnational authorities to strengthen local preparedness and public health interventions.