Senate seeks emergency funds and compulsory Ebola screening at all entry points

The Senate has asked the Federal Government to release emergency funds and make health screening compulsory for everyone arriving in Nigeria, as concern grows over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in parts of Africa.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Francis Faduyile, who represents Ondo South. He told the chamber that the outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has reached other African countries, including Uganda and Kenya, raising the risk of infected travellers arriving in Nigeria through third countries.

According to the lawmakers, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has rated the risk of Ebola being imported into Nigeria as high. Faduyile recalled that a single traveller brought Ebola into the country through Lagos in July 2014.

What the Senate wants

Under the resolutions, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and Port Health Services are to screen all international passengers, regardless of nationality or country of departure. The measures include health declaration forms, temperature checks and symptom checks, with closer screening for anyone who visited or passed through affected areas in the previous 21 days.

The Senate also called for exit screening for departing passengers during a declared public health emergency, and for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service to provide enough trained Port Health officers, thermal scanners, protective equipment and isolation rooms at all entry points.

Lawmakers raised concerns about gaps in the current system, including screening limited to travellers from selected countries, inadequate staffing and equipment at some entry points, and Port Health Services still relying on the Quarantine Act of 1926. They asked for a modern public health law in line with the International Health Regulations of 2005.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio criticised what he called a lack of seriousness in the aviation sector's handling of the threat. "This is a medical emergency, a very deadly one," he said.

Senator Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central said many of the measures were already being carried out by the ministry, but urged caution. "We have to be very careful, let us do all we can to control this disease," he said.

Senators also noted that Nigeria is already battling Lassa fever, cholera and diphtheria, warning that another outbreak would stretch the health system further.

What happens next

The Senate has asked its committees on Health, Primary Healthcare, Disease Control, Aviation, Interior and Appropriations to visit major international entry points and report back within four weeks. Its Committee on Legislative Compliance will track whether the resolutions are carried out.

Lawmakers also urged the finance and budget ministries to fund the NCDC and Port Health Services properly in the 2027 budget and to release money already owed to them. Nigerians were advised to stay alert and keep hand sanitisers available in schools, event centres and other public places.