LunagisthubEbola Alert: FG Names 21 States, FCT at High to Moderate Risk of Importation — Full List
Nigeria is on high alert for Ebola as the federal government flags 21 states and the FCT as high or moderate risk zones for importation. The warning comes after Ebola cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention announced the risk classification on Thursday, May 29, 2026. NCDC Director-General Jide Idris confirmed Nigeria has zero confirmed Ebola cases linked to the East and Central Africa outbreak, but said rising regional transmission has “significantly elevated” Nigeria’s importation risk.
The classification followed a fresh dynamic risk assessment by the NCDC. It was triggered by the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the DRC and Uganda outbreaks as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
“The risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria is high because of international travel, regional population movement, porous borders, and extensive trade networks,” Idris said.
High-Risk States + FCT: 11 Areas:
These states have international airports, porous land borders, or busy travel/trade routes:
1. Lagos
2. FCT – Abuja
3. Rivers
4. Kano
5. Enugu
6. Borno
7. Akwa Ibom
8. Cross River
9. Taraba
10. Adamawa
Moderate-Risk States: 12 Areas
These states need sustained surveillance and preparedness:
1. Ogun
2. Nasarawa
3. Kaduna
4. Plateau
5. Kogi
6. Niger
7. Jigawa
8. Katsina
9. Bauchi
10. Ebonyi
11. Abia
12. Bayelsa
NCDC says the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. There are no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for this strain yet.
Health authorities in DRC and Uganda have reported 1,077 suspected cases and 247 deaths. Most infections are in people aged 14 to 45.
The agency warned that Ebola symptoms mimic malaria and Lassa fever — fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting. That similarity raises the risk of delayed detection and spread.
Idris stressed that Ebola isn’t airborne. It spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals.
Because there’s no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, NCDC says Nigeria must focus on:
1. Rapid detection at borders and hospitals
2.Immediate isolation of suspected cases
3. Contact tracingto stop chains of transmission
4.Infection prevention in health facilities
5.Supportive care for patients
21 states + FCT are now on Ebola watch. Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Kano top the high-risk list due to airports and borders. With no vaccine for the current strain, early detection is Nigeria’s best defense.
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