The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Jide Idris, has disclosed that Nigeria’s current preparedness level for a potential Ebola outbreak stands at 59%, as health authorities step up preventive measures across the country.

Speaking on Monday, Idris explained that the NCDC has conducted a nationwide risk assessment to identify gaps in the country’s readiness and strengthen critical areas such as surveillance, early detection, isolation of suspected cases, contact tracing, and laboratory testing.

He noted that special attention is being given to international airports and other points of entry, following concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, he warned that Nigeria’s porous land borders remain a major challenge, requiring sustained vigilance and coordination among relevant agencies.

Drawing lessons from Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Idris emphasized the importance of rapid detection, immediate isolation of suspected cases, effective contact tracing, adequate protective equipment for healthcare workers, and public awareness campaigns.

While admitting that Nigeria is not fully prepared, he said ongoing efforts are focused on upgrading laboratories, strengthening emergency response systems, training health personnel, and improving readiness across all states.

The NCDC boss also raised concerns about the continued spread of Lassa Fever and other disease outbreaks, urging state governments to take a more active role in public health interventions and community sensitization to reduce transmission risks.