The Niger State Government has inaugurated an emergency response committee and intensified preparations against Ebola following the confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this on Monday in Minna during the inauguration of the Niger State Ebola Virus Disease Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee.
He stressed that no Ebola case had been confirmed in Niger State but said the government was strengthening surveillance, isolation facilities and infection prevention measures.
Bagana said Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had directed the release of funds for a modern isolation centre following the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2026.
He added that the federal government had provided N21.6 million to each state, including Niger, to support preparedness efforts.
The commissioner said the state was strengthening disease surveillance through local government health teams, alerting public and private health facilities, and reviewing arrangements for referring suspected cases.
He also said the government was working with national authorities to strengthen monitoring at Minna airport and relevant land-border routes, including Babana in Borgu Local Government Area.
Bagana noted that the state's proximity to the FCT made early detection and prompt reporting essential.
He said the Federal Government confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease in the FCT on October 20. According to the latest available situation report dated October 24, 53 identified contacts were being monitored, while a suspected case reported in Rivers State had tested negative.
The commissioner charged the newly inaugurated committee with coordinating case investigations, contact tracing, laboratory referrals, clinical preparedness and public communication.
He said members would be required to establish clear responsibilities 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,” he said.
Bagana urged residents to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected cases, and report possible exposure to health authorities.
He advised anyone who developed symptoms after possible exposure to contact health authorities by telephone before visiting a hospital to allow safe arrangements for assessment.
The commissioner also warned against spreading unverified information or circulating the identities and images of suspected patients.
Residents can contact the State Director of Public Health on 07034583079, the State Epidemiologist on 08077213070, or the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer on 08075291989. The NCDC national helpline is 6232.
He further stated that the state would continue working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, FCT authorities, the World Health Organisation and other partners to strengthen preparedness.
Ebola: Niger inaugurates emergency committee, prepares isolation centre