EBOLA: FG moves to tighten border surveillance, emergency response

Health

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) —The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday joined key stakeholders in Lagos for a high-level emergency preparedness meeting convened on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Uganda.

Newpost Africa had earlier reported that the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised concerns over the rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that no approved vaccine is currently available to contain the outbreak. Hundreds of suspected cases are reportedly emerging daily as health officials intensify efforts to curb transmission.

The WHO, on May 17, upgraded the outbreak to a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the growing risk of regional and international spread.

According to a statement issued by Tunji-Ojo, the emergency meeting, led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, brought together officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), health authorities, security agencies, and emergency response institutions to assess Nigeria’s preparedness and strengthen preventive measures against the deadly virus.

The minister said although no case of Ebola has been confirmed in Nigeria, the Federal Government is taking proactive steps to prevent a possible outbreak.

“At the Ministry of Interior, our focus remains firm on border control and robust screening at all points of entry — airports, seaports and land borders.

“We are enhancing monitoring and surveillance protocols using available technology and structured decision-making mechanisms to prevent the virus from entering the country,” he stated.

Tunji-Ojo added that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate closely with state governments, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies to ensure the country remains protected.

“Together, drawing lessons from our successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, we are confident that Nigeria will once again rise to the challenge and protect our country,” he added.