The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has approved an emergency allowance of ₦100,000 per person weekly for individuals placed in isolation or quarantine following possible exposure to Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, announced the intervention during a briefing in Abuja on Sunday, October 25, 2026, explaining that the financial support was introduced after some contacts complained about the difficulties of maintaining their families while under monitoring.
According to Idris, the government is already providing accommodation and meals for people placed in designated facilities. The additional payment is intended to ease their financial burden and encourage cooperation with public health officials.
He described the allowance as an emergency measure that had not been included in the original plan, adding that the arrangement would be reviewed as the response to the outbreak progresses.
The NCDC chief also stressed that state governments must prepare adequate funding and logistics to manage similar public health emergencies, warning that the responsibility should not rest solely on the FCT.
53 contacts identified
Idris disclosed that health authorities had identified 53 primary contacts linked to Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case, an increase from the initial 44.
The contacts include healthcare workers, the patient’s husband, domestic staff and other individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Health officials are monitoring the contacts according to their level of exposure, with follow-up expected to continue for 21 days after their last possible exposure.
Idris emphasised that being identified as a contact does not mean an individual has contracted Ebola. The monitoring process is designed to detect possible infections early and prevent further transmission.
Government intensifies containment measures
The NCDC said Nigeria had recorded one confirmed Ebola case as of the October 25 briefing, while investigations into suspected cases continued. A suspected case in Rivers State had tested negative, according to the agency.
Authorities are strengthening contact tracing, laboratory testing, airport surveillance and infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities.
Idris urged Nigerians to cooperate with public health officials, practise regular hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of suspected cases.
He also advised anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to contact public health authorities immediately and follow their instructions.
The government has called on the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.
