RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed its information and public enlightenment agencies to intensify nationwide awareness campaigns on Ebola Virus Disease following the confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued the directive on Thursday, October 22, stressing the importance of accurate information, public education and community engagement in preventing further transmission of the disease.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister instructed the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON) and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to expand public sensitisation efforts.
Idris said the agencies must educate Nigerians on how Ebola spreads, its symptoms, preventive measures and the appropriate channels for reporting suspected infections.
The directive followed the Federal Government’s confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, of an Ebola infection involving a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.
Health authorities confirmed that the patient tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and was receiving medical care in isolation at a health facility in Abuja.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) subsequently activated its emergency response arrangements, while public health teams identified 44 people who may have been exposed to the infected patient.
The contacts, including healthcare workers, caregivers, patients and travel-related contacts, are being monitored as investigations continue.
The minister emphasised that timely dissemination of verified information was essential to preventing misinformation, unnecessary panic and the stigmatisation of affected individuals.
He directed agencies under his ministry to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to ensure that all awareness materials reflect established public health guidance.
The NOA was specifically instructed to mobilise its nationwide structures and work with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and media practitioners to reach communities at the grassroots.
The ministry also announced plans to strengthen cooperation with broadcast organisations to produce public enlightenment programmes, jingles and educational materials in Nigerian languages.
The government urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola and promptly report possible exposure to health authorities.
Ebola can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms may include fever, severe weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Idris appealed to residents to remain calm, follow official health advice and avoid circulating unverified claims on social media.
Members of the public were also advised to contact the NCDC through its toll-free emergency number, 6232, for guidance or to report suspected cases.
The Federal Government maintained that sustained public cooperation, early detection, contact tracing and effective health communication would be central to containing the infection.
