NIGER STATE GOV’T HEIGHTENS EBOLA PREPAREDNESS, INAUGURATES EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE, ISOLATION CENTRE

By YM Bina

The Niger State Ministry of Health has intensified its preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), inaugurated a multisectoral emergency response committee and strengthening surveillance, isolation, infection prevention and cross-border monitoring.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this in Minna during the inauguration of the Niger State Ebola Virus Disease Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee, following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He explained that the Federal Government had provided ₦21.6 million to each state, including Niger, to support Ebola preparedness, stressing that the heightened alert was precautionary and that no confirmed Ebola case had been reported in the state.

Dr Bagana noted that the State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago had directed the release of funds for the preparation of a modern isolation centre following the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2026.

The commissioner said the state was strengthening disease surveillance through local government health teams, alerting public and private health facilities, reviewing referral arrangements and reinforcing infection prevention and control measures to protect health workers and patients.

He said collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health’s Ports Health Authority would also strengthen safeguards at Minna airport and the international border at Babana in Borgu Local Government Area.

Preparedness along relevant land-border routes, including the border with the Republic of Benin, is also being reviewed in coordination with national authorities.

The commissioner cited the international outbreak situation as a reason for vigilance, noting that the World Health Organisation’s October 23 update reported 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths in the DRC as of October 20, across 66 health zones in eight provinces.

On Nigeria’s situation, he said the Federal Government confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease in the FCT on October 20th.

According to figures cited in his briefing, two suspected cases were under investigation in the FCT and Rivers State as of October 24, while 53 identified contacts were being monitored and had no symptoms at the time.

Dr Murtala Bagana emphasised that Niger State’s proximity to the FCT made early detection, rapid reporting and effective coordination imperative, but cautioned against panic, misinformation and the stigmatisation of individuals.

He charged the newly inaugurated committee to deliver measurable results through coordinated incident management, case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory referral, clinical readiness, logistics and public risk communication.

Members are expected to establish clear responsibilities, meet defined timelines and submit weekly reports beginning the week of October 26.

“Our measure of success will be the status of readiness we can demonstrate, not merely the meetings we hold,” the commissioner said.

He urged residents to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected cases, and promptly report possible exposure or symptoms to public health authorities.

Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure should telephone for medical guidance before visiting a health facility to enable safe arrangements.

Residents were also warned against circulating unverified reports, names, photographs or videos of suspected patients.

Health facilities were directed to notify their local government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers without delay and comply with NCDC guidance.