The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said travellers from countries with active or relevant Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission may need to complete Health Declaration Forms as part of enhanced surveillance measures.
The agency issued the advisory on Tuesday in response to the ongoing EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Nigeria reviewed its public health measures following a dynamic risk assessment and consultations.
According to the NCDC, passengers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission may be required to fill out Health Declaration Forms to support surveillance, risk assessment, contact follow-up and early detection of cases.
Passengers from all other countries are currently exempt, reflecting the agency’s risk-based approach to border health measures.
The measures were developed in consultation with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to keep Nigeria’s preparedness and response proportionate to identified risks.
The NCDC urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with EVD, especially travellers who may have been exposed, and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop. Individuals with relevant travel or exposure history should provide accurate information to healthcare workers and authorities, as timely reporting and follow-up are critical to effective surveillance and response.
Preparatory activities are ongoing and will be reviewed as new epidemiological information becomes available and Nigeria’s risk assessment is updated.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response, working with national and international partners to strengthen capacity to detect and respond to health threats.
Implementation involves collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Port Health Services, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. State health ministries are also part of the coordinated effort, with support from international partners including the World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
