The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun considering stronger preventive measures, including possible flight restrictions and passenger isolation, following renewed concerns over an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.

This development was made known after a high-level strategic meeting held in Victoria Island, Lagos, led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The meeting was focused on reviewing Nigeria’s Ebola preparedness and strengthening the national response framework to avoid any outbreak in the country.Key officials present included the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr.Jide Idris, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, among others.

According to information shared at the meeting, the Federal Government is looking at several options such as restricting flights from countries affected by the Ebola virus, isolating passengers who show symptoms at points of entry, and using designated facilities like cargo terminals where necessary.

Gbajabiamila explained that President Bola Tinubu has already been briefed on the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and government is determined to prevent any spread into Nigeria.The WHO has reported 10 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola deaths in the DRC since mid-May, with over 1,000 combined confirmed and suspected cases.

Health authorities stressed that Ebola remains a very dangerous disease with no known cure or vaccine, making prevention and early detection very important.

The NCDC confirmed that preparedness plans are active across all 36 states, with stronger surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and health worker training being intensified.The Interior Ministry also stated that all Nigerian entry points will be placed under strict monitoring.

Government officials say the focus is on early detection, isolation, and strong coordination across agencies to protect public health and ensure Nigeria does not record any Ebola case.