By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness, Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats has assured Nigerians of its capacity to contain Ebola following a confirmed imported case in Abuja on Tuesday. The task force gave the assurance on Wednesday after an emergency meeting at the State House, Abuja, as health authorities intensified contact tracing, surveillance and isolation measures to prevent further transmission.
FG Strengthens Ebola Response Measures
The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the government had worked behind the scenes since June to strengthen Nigeria’s Ebola preparedness.
He spoke to journalists after the task force’s emergency meeting at the State House.
According to Gbajabiamila, early detection of the confirmed case demonstrated the importance of existing surveillance systems and public health protocols.
He explained that the government would strengthen response measures, improve protocols and enforce compliance more rigorously.
“The Task Force is on top of it. NCDC is on top of it; everyone is on deck,” he said.
Gbajabiamila also stressed the need for community trust and public cooperation to prevent panic and support containment efforts.
He urged Nigerians to comply with public health directives for the safety of everyone.
Pate Confirms Contact Tracing and Isolation
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said Nigerian health authorities had activated emergency response systems across the country.
He explained that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention were working closely with the government.
Furthermore, Pate said health officials were tracing contacts and isolating people linked to the confirmed case.
“We have been conducting contact tracing diligently and isolating those contacts of the index imported case in this country,” he said.
He added that authorities would continue monitoring contacts while strengthening hospital readiness and other response measures.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s response involves federal and state health agencies, private hospitals, immigration officials, aviation authorities and other relevant institutions.
Pate expressed confidence in the country’s public health expertise and urged citizens to follow official guidance.
Minister Warns Against Ebola Misinformation
Pate also cautioned Nigerians against spreading misinformation and unverified reports about the outbreak.
He warned that baseless rumours could create unnecessary panic and undermine public health efforts.
“Most of our states have adequate response plans. We have the resources, and we’re mobilising those capabilities,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigeria had experienced Ebola before and possessed experienced public health professionals.
He recalled the contribution of Nigerian experts during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and their assistance to other countries.
Pate said cooperation between government agencies, international partners and citizens would remain essential to containing the current case.
He also expressed confidence that continued coordination would help Nigeria overcome the public health challenge.
Task Force Mobilises Government Agencies
Several senior officials attended the emergency meeting to coordinate Nigeria’s Ebola preparedness and response.
They included Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, and Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Bunmi Kuku.
Other participants included FAAN General Manager Adamu Adamu, WHO Representative Pavel Ursu and Africa CDC Special Regional Representative Aliko Ahmed.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations, Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, also attended as the task force secretary.
Additional participants included Public Health Executive Niniola Williams, FCT Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment Dolapo Fasawe, and State House Medical Centre’s Medical Advisory Committee Chairman Victoria Ogala.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole, joined the meeting alongside Lagos State Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi.
Captain Donald Spiff, Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, also participated virtually.
The participation of these agencies reflects the government’s coordinated approach to disease surveillance, border monitoring and emergency response.
FG Confirms Imported Ebola Case in Abuja
On Tuesday, the Federal Government confirmed an imported Ebola virus disease case in the Federal Capital Territory.
Pate said laboratory tests confirmed the infection in a woman who had recently travelled to Uganda.
According to the minister, the woman returned to Nigeria with symptoms on October 7. Her symptoms worsened four days later before laboratory testing confirmed the infection.
Health authorities subsequently began contact tracing and isolation measures to reduce the risk of further transmission.
The government has urged Nigerians to remain calm and follow official public health advice while investigations continue.
Uganda Questions Reports About the Infection’s Origin
However, Uganda’s Ministry of Health denied reports claiming that an Ebola outbreak had occurred in the East African country.
The ministry said authorities were still investigating the location where the woman contracted the infection.
It also explained that travelling through Uganda alone did not establish that the country was the source of exposure.
Therefore, investigators must establish the infection’s origin through further epidemiological investigations.
Nigeria’s health authorities continue to coordinate surveillance, contact tracing and other containment measures as the investigation progresses.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to preventing further transmission through early detection, public cooperation and coordinated emergency response.
