Ebola Outbreak: Experts Drop Crucial Warning For Nigerians

Nigerians have been urged to remain calm and avoid panic following reports of a first confirmed Ebola case, as health experts insist that the country has the technical capacity to manage and contain the disease.

According to a report by The Punch on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the appeal was made during the 11th National Conference on Environment and Health hosted by Osun State University in Osogbo, Osun State.

The President of the Living Science Foundation, Professor Joshua Ojo, said public fear could worsen the situation and create additional challenges for health authorities. He maintained that Nigeria has the expertise needed to respond effectively to the outbreak.

Ojo explained that Ebola does not spread through the air and that infected individuals become contagious after developing symptoms. He urged citizens to rely on accurate health information rather than allowing fear to influence their reactions.

The professor also called for reforms at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), arguing that weaknesses in its legal framework and funding constraints limit its ability to regulate food systems effectively beyond supermarkets.

He further stressed the importance of sanitation and environmental hygiene in preventing disease outbreaks, urging environmental health officers to strengthen their responsibilities in communities across the country.

Similarly, Dr Isaac Akinwumi, President of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria’s South-West Zone, described Ebola as a re-emerging disease that requires coordinated public health action.

Akinwumi recalled Nigeria’s response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak, highlighting the role of cooperation among different professionals and public awareness campaigns in containing the virus. He also noted that Ebola transmission routes are generally easier to trace than those associated with COVID-19.

Beyond the Ebola concerns, the Living Science Foundation has previously called on the Federal Government to reconsider incorporating newly developed malaria vaccines into routine immunisation programmes.

The organisation has also advocated for stricter chronic toxicity testing and clearer labelling of genetically modified organism foods to protect consumers.

As concerns grow, experts continue to emphasise the importance of reliable information, effective sanitation and coordinated public health measures. However, official health authorities should be consulted for verified updates on any confirmed Ebola case and the appropriate preventive measures.