The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has introduced additional screening measures for travellers arriving in Nigeria from countries experiencing active or relevant transmission of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Under the new measures, some travellers from affected countries may be required to complete a Health Declaration Form as part of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen surveillance and prevent the disease from being imported into the country.
The NCDC announced the development in an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The advisory, signed by NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, followed an assessment of the evolving situation and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
According to the agency, the health declaration requirement will apply to travellers from countries considered to have active or relevant Ebola transmission.
However, passengers arriving in Nigeria from other countries are currently exempt from completing the form.
The NCDC said the measure is part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up, particularly for travellers who may have been exposed to the virus.
The agency has also urged Nigerians and other residents to remain alert for symptoms associated with Ebola and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.
The latest action comes as health authorities continue to monitor the Ebola situation in Central Africa. The World Health Organisation recently reported progress in controlling the outbreak in parts of the DRC but warned that the situation remains a serious public health concern.
Nigeria has continued to strengthen its preparedness and surveillance systems because of the possibility of imported cases through international travel.
The NCDC’s latest advisory is therefore aimed at identifying travellers who may require follow-up while limiting unnecessary screening requirements for passengers arriving from countries without relevant Ebola transmission.
The agency has advised the public to rely on official health information and cooperate with screening and surveillance measures at points of entry as the situation develops.
