National Biosafety Management Agency Pledges Support to NCDC in Ebola Containment Efforts
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has pledged to support the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in containing the Ebola virus disease following the confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The agency said it was ready to deploy its biosafety experts to assist the NCDC and other relevant response teams in strengthening containment measures, improving infection prevention, and reducing the risk of further transmission.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the NBMA, Dr Fatima Suleiman-Zuntu, gave the assurance in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing technical expertise in biosafety and biosecurity in line with its statutory responsibilities.
Suleiman-Zuntu commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, the FCT Health Services Secretariat, and their development partners for their efforts to contain the infection and protect public health.
She stressed that Nigeria’s experience in containing the Ebola outbreak in 2014 demonstrated the importance of preparedness, coordinated action, scientific evidence, and public cooperation in responding to public health emergencies.
The NBMA’s proposed support is expected to complement ongoing response activities, including disease surveillance, contact tracing, and the implementation of appropriate infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government confirmed the imported Ebola case on October 20, 2026, involving a woman who had recently travelled from Uganda. The patient was isolated and receiving medical care, while public health authorities began monitoring identified contacts and strengthening infection prevention measures.
The development has renewed the need for vigilance among healthcare professionals and the public, particularly regarding early detection, prompt reporting of suspected cases, and adherence to official health guidance.
The NBMA Director-General urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely on credible public health authorities for accurate updates about the situation.
She advised members of the public to practise proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick individuals, and refrain from handling the bodies of people suspected to have died from Ebola.
She also encouraged anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola, particularly after contact with a suspected or confirmed case or travel to an affected area, to seek prompt guidance from public health authorities.
The agency emphasised that public cooperation with contact-tracing activities and other official health measures would be essential to identifying potential exposures and limiting further transmission.
For verified information and public health guidance, Nigerians can contact the NCDC toll-free line on 6232 or reach the NBMA on 0808 225 4683, as announced by the agency.
The NBMA reiterated its commitment to working with relevant national institutions to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity practices and support evidence-based interventions aimed at protecting public health and the environment.
The agency’s pledge highlights the importance of collaboration among government institutions, healthcare professionals, and development partners in responding effectively to infectious disease threats.
As Nigeria strengthens its response to the reported Ebola case, sustained surveillance, prompt identification of potential cases, effective infection prevention, and public awareness remain critical to reducing the risk of further transmission.
