The Federal Government has urged 15 states to accelerate preparations against Ebola after warning that they have yet to update their response plans, despite the confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, said hospitals nationwide must prepare isolation beds, strengthen infection prevention measures and ensure health workers can safely manage suspected cases.
He gave the directive during a briefing on Nigeria’s response to the outbreak and an update to the National Economic Council (NEC).
Pate said 21 states had already updated their Ebola response plans, while the remaining 15 needed to complete their preparations urgently.
The government is coordinating the response through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
FG Warns 15 States Over Ebola Preparedness
Pate said most states had developed response plans with guidance from the NCDC. However, some had yet to complete the necessary arrangements.
He urged the affected states to act quickly and ensure their hospitals could identify, isolate and manage suspected infections.
The minister said the Federal Government had also engaged FCT authorities and would continue working with state governments to improve preparedness across the country.
He stressed that hospitals must protect frontline health workers through strict infection prevention and control measures.
Private hospitals also have a responsibility to report suspected cases promptly, he said. Early reporting allows public health authorities to investigate possible infections and begin contact tracing.
Pate announced plans to meet state commissioners of health and involve commissioners of information to improve coordination between health response teams and public communication agencies.
Government Steps Up Response to FCT Ebola Case
The directive follows the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the FCT. Health authorities are conducting surveillance and contact tracing to prevent further spread.
Pate said the government was working to ensure the infection did not extend beyond the index patient or lead to community transmission.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant without panicking and to follow guidance from trusted public health authorities.
The minister also disclosed that the government had provided additional funding to the NCDC to strengthen its response. The WHO and Africa CDC are supporting the country’s efforts.
Nigeria has also invited genomics expert Professor Christian Happi of Redeemer’s University in Ede to support investigations into the virus. Authorities intend to conduct genomic sequencing to improve their understanding of the strain and guide the response.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. It differs from the Zaire strain responsible for the major West African outbreak of 2014–2016.
Pate advised people experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches, particularly after possible exposure or relevant travel, to isolate themselves and contact public health authorities promptly.
He reminded Nigerians that the country had managed an Ebola outbreak in 2014 and had public health institutions capable of responding to the current situation.
Read Also:ebola-airport-surveillance-faan-vigilance
FG Launches Nationwide Ebola Awareness Drive
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has directed agencies under his ministry to intensify public education following the confirmed FCT case.
The directive covers the National Orientation Agency, Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria and News Agency of Nigeria.
Idris said accurate information would help contain the outbreak and prevent unnecessary panic.
He directed the agencies to work with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to ensure that public messages remain verified and evidence-based.
The National Orientation Agency will also use its nationwide offices to educate communities, working with traditional and religious leaders, community groups and the media.
The ministry plans to expand awareness through radio and television programmes, public information jingles and educational materials in Nigerian languages.
The minister urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified claims on social media and rely on official health updates.
Members of the public can report suspected cases through the NCDC’s toll-free, 24-hour emergency line, 6232.
NEC Endorses 90-Day Economic Action Plan
At its 161st meeting, chaired virtually by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Economic Council also endorsed a proposed 90-day economic action plan presented by Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele.
The plan aims to reduce living costs, improve food affordability, attract investment and speed up projects that directly benefit Nigerians.
It identifies five priority areas: food affordability, tax harmonisation, completion of high-impact projects, removing investment bottlenecks and regulated household support.
NEC also approved a national dashboard to monitor projects across the federation and improve transparency in the use of funds, including proceeds from fuel subsidy removal.
Oyedele said the government wanted to bring headline inflation and interest rates down to single digits by 2027. He stressed the need for coordinated implementation by federal and state institutions.
Shettima urged governors to ensure that economic reforms deliver practical benefits, including affordable transport, improved healthcare, job opportunities and greater financial security.
On compressed natural gas buses, the vice president said success should depend on affordability and access rather than simply the number of vehicles deployed.
Read Also:nec-90-day-plan-ease-hardship
NEC Reviews Polio Eradication and Livestock Development
The council also received an update from its ad hoc committee on polio eradication, chaired by Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
It directed states to review vaccination campaigns, especially in areas where children were missed and communities affected by insecurity.
NEC called for timely release of counterpart funds, stronger routine immunisation and better coordination with security agencies.
The council also considered the report of its livestock development committee, chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.
It noted the sector’s potential to create jobs, improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth. All states had reportedly expressed interest in supporting the Federal Government’s livestock initiatives.
The council resolved to strengthen cooperation between federal and state governments to advance the sector.