FG Screens Inbound Passengers and Hajj Returnees Over Ebola Concerns

The Federal Government has intensified health surveillance at Nigeria’s entry points, screening inbound passengers and returning Hajj pilgrims as part of preventive measures against a possible Ebola outbreak.

The move follows renewed global concern over Ebola cases reported in parts of Africa, with authorities stepping up border health checks to reduce the risk of importation into the country.

Health officials have activated enhanced screening protocols at airports and other points of entry, focusing particularly on travellers arriving from high-risk regions or those showing symptoms consistent with the virus.

Government representatives say the measures are precautionary and part of Nigeria’s broader public health preparedness strategy, aimed at ensuring early detection and rapid response in case of any suspected case.

Officials also noted that collaboration between the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), immigration authorities, and port health services has been strengthened to improve monitoring and response capacity.

The screening of Hajj returnees is part of routine post-travel health checks, given the large number of Nigerians returning from Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage period, which often requires heightened surveillance for communicable diseases.