The Niger State Ministry of Health has ramped up disease surveillance efforts by implementing rigorous screening protocols for pilgrims returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of measures to prevent the importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other infectious threats.
Dr. Ibrahim Idris, Director of Public Health, led the medical team at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Abuja, where temperature checks and health assessments were conducted on returning pilgrims.
He reported that no pilgrim exhibited symptoms of Ebola or any febrile illness.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, Idris commended the state government’s preparedness.
“His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, has put in place robust measures aimed at safeguarding public health,” he said.
He added that the exercise supports the planned reactivation of the state’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) for Ebola.
Idris emphasised that the screening forms part of proactive strategies to detect and contain potential infectious diseases.
“The Ministry of Health is collaborating closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that diseases of public health concern do not find their way into Niger State,” he stated.
The Acting Airport Manager and Head of Security, Nafiu Na’Abba, confirmed that airport management received explicit directives to prioritise screening for passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia.
He noted that staff were promptly mobilised to facilitate seamless passenger screening, temperature monitoring, crowd control, and strict adherence to public health guidelines.
This heightened surveillance comes amid renewed concerns over Ebola resurgence in parts of Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
In response, the Federal Government has strengthened national preparedness, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approving the establishment of a national task force on Ebola preparedness and authorising emergency interventions to enhance the country’s response capacity.
States hosting international airports and border corridors have been directed to intensify passenger screening, enforce temperature checks, strengthen crowd-control protocols, and enhance monitoring of international travellers as part of a coordinated national response.
Health authorities have described the measures as precautionary, aimed at protecting public health while ensuring smooth operations at entry points.
