ABUJA — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has moved to address public anxiety regarding the vulnerability of Nigeria’s land borders to the Ebola virus disease (EVD), which is currently spreading across parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
As of May 27, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. With reported cases in both the DRC and neighboring Uganda, concerns have mounted regarding the potential for the virus to enter Nigeria through expansive land borders.
Border Surveillance and Security
In an interview with the press, NIS spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi dismissed characterizations of Nigeria’s borders as "porous." He insisted that the service maintains an active presence at all official border crossings.
“Our borders are not porous. Anyone who comes in through our borders is known. They must show proper documents, including an international health certificate,” Akinlabi stated. He noted that the government has moved beyond reliance on personnel alone by investing in sophisticated digital infrastructure.
Key technologies currently in use include:
• Integrated Border Management System: Designed to streamline data collection and enhance monitoring efficiency.
• Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS): A tool utilized to bolster surveillance capabilities in expansive or hard-to-reach areas.
Collaborative Public Health Response
The NIS clarified that its role is primarily focused on border security and migration enforcement, while it defers to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health for public health directives.
"Normally, we will wait for the advisory from the NCDC and the health ministry. We will listen for their lead," Akinlabi added. He noted that during previous health emergencies, the service has worked in close coordination with health authorities to deploy specialized teams at airports and key entry points.
Current Regional Situation
The ongoing outbreak was first confirmed in mid-May 2026. According to the latest data, the DRC has recorded over 1,000 suspected and confirmed cases, with significant fatalities reported in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Uganda has also reported several confirmed cases linked to travel from the DRC.
While the NCDC has confirmed that Nigeria has recorded no cases associated with this current regional outbreak, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified screening protocols at all international airports. Passengers arriving from high-risk regions are currently subject to rigorous health evaluations, and isolation facilities have been prepared to handle any suspected cases for immediate medical assessment.
