Daijiworld Media Network - Abuja

Abuja, May 30: Nigerian health authorities have identified 21 states, including the federal capital territory, as being at high or moderate risk of Ebola virus importation as neighbouring regions continue to battle fresh outbreaks of the deadly disease.

In a statement, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said that although no Ebola case has been confirmed in Nigeria, recent outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa have heightened the possibility of cross-border transmission into the country.

The agency classified Abuja and several states with major international travel links and porous border crossings as high-risk areas. These include Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, as well as northern states such as Kano, Borno, Taraba and Adamawa.

The NCDC also designated several other states as moderate-risk zones requiring enhanced monitoring and preparedness measures. These include Ogun, Ebonyi, Abia, Bayelsa, along with Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina and Bauchi.

Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, said the recent declaration by the World Health Organization regarding the Ebola outbreak highlights the urgent need for strengthened preparedness and surveillance efforts across Nigeria.

He cautioned that Ebola's early symptoms can closely resemble those of other diseases common in the region, including Malaria and Lassa Fever, potentially making early detection more challenging and increasing the risk of transmission.

With a population exceeding 242 million people, Nigeria remains Africa's most populous country, making disease surveillance and rapid response particularly critical in preventing widespread outbreaks.

Meanwhile, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the Ebola situation in Democratic Republic of the Congo as highly complex, citing ongoing conflict, insecurity, displacement, food shortages and community mistrust as major obstacles to containment efforts.

Speaking upon his arrival in Kinshasa, Ghebreyesus said his visit was intended to show solidarity with affected communities and reinforce the WHO's commitment to supporting local and international response efforts.

Health authorities in Nigeria have urged state governments, healthcare facilities and border agencies to remain vigilant as the country intensifies monitoring measures aimed at preventing any potential introduction of the Ebola virus.