The Federal Government stated that in reaction to the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it has stepped up monitoring and screening protocols at all points of entry.
This was revealed in an exclusive interview with newsmen on Friday by Dr. Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Nse added that more employees had been hired in order to improve the nation’s border surveillance.
As of September 5, 2025, there were 16 confirmed deaths and 28 probable cases of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, including four health professionals, according to health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The outbreak occurs at a time when cholera, hunger, and population displacement are among the overlapping health and humanitarian issues that are plaguing most of Central and West Africa.
The most recent Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo took place in April 2022 in the northwest Equateur Province.
However, within three months, it was under control.
Samples examined on September 3 at Kinshasa’s National Institute of Biomedical Research verified that the ongoing outbreak was caused by the Ebola virus strain known as Ebola Zaire.
Dr. Nse pointed out that while Nigeria was vulnerable to bringing the virus into the country because of the high volume of international travel with the DRC, Port Health Services was vigilant and had stepped up surveillance to stop this.
He said, “We have intensified surveillance at all points of entry across the country—airports, land borders, and seaports. Every inbound travellers coming from Congo to Nigeria is thoroughly screened, and we collect their medical history through mandatory forms.
“We have also reactivated our portals. Every passenger on every flight coming to Nigeria from Congo is screened upon arrival. This applies to airports, seaports, and land borders. Even if passengers transit through Congo on their way to Nigeria, they must undergo screening.
“In addition, with support from WHO, we have recruited more staff to enhance surveillance. Increasing the workforce allows us to effectively prevent the importation of the virus and ensure thorough screening at all borders.”
To aid in the fight against the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the WHO has provided $500,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made this announcement during a media conference on global health challenges on Friday. He revealed that 16 deaths, including four health workers, and 28 suspected cases had been documented to date.
Additionally, experts have urged the Nigerian authorities to remain vigilante and not let its guard down.
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