Dare Babalola
Following the fresh outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Federal Government has heightened the screening procedures for passengers arriving in Nigeria from the country.
The Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Akpan Nse, confirmed this in an interview with PUNCH.
According to Nse, Nigeria faced a “risk of importing the virus due to high levels of international travel with the DRC,” but assured that “Port Health Services was on alert and had strengthened surveillance to prevent this.”
The health director assured that passengers from Congo, including those transiting through the country before arriving in Nigeria, would undergo mandatory checks at all entry points.
He stated, “We have intensified surveillance at all points of entry across the country—airports, land borders, and seaports. Every inbound traveller 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.”
The Congo (DRC) had previously declared a fresh outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, with at least 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, recorded as of September 4, 2025.
