Civil rights group Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is warning the federal government not to sleep on a renewed Ebola threat sweeping parts of Africa, saying Nigeria’s dense population and porous borders make it vulnerable.
The group cited assessments from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention that put 10 African countries at risk of Ebola transmission due to ongoing outbreaks in Central and East Africa. The countries listed include Angola, Burundi, CAR, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia.
HURIWA, in a statement signed by its boss, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said the risk is driven by heavy cross-border movement, insecurity in conflict zones, and weak health systems in several states.
The World Health Organization has already classified the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern because of its high fatality rate and fast spread.
“Ebola remains one of the most dangerous viral diseases known to humanity,” HURIWA said.
It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can quickly lead to severe illness, organ failure, and death if not contained early.
The group’s main gripe is silence from Abuja. It said Nigeria has not publicly laid out a clear, visible preparedness framework like the one used during COVID-19.
“During the COVID-19 crisis, Nigeria showed that coordinated federal-state collaboration, daily public briefings, and mass sensitization campaigns were essential in limiting spread. That same urgency and transparency must now be replicated—without delay,” HURIWA stated.
The group is asking for specifics on the federal government’s updated Ebola strategy, the readiness of isolation centres nationwide, border screening measures, rapid response team deployment, and a communication plan for rural and high-risk communities.
HURIWA is pushing for a full-scale National Ebola Prevention and Preparedness Framework led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention with state governments. It wants every state to have its own response protocol, tighter screening at airports, seaports and land borders, and daily public enlightenment campaigns in English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other major languages.
The group also called for transparency on the status of isolation centres, PPE stockpiles, ambulances, and lab capacity, plus proper training, equipment and risk allowances for frontline health workers. Regular national briefings, it said, are needed to stop misinformation and panic.
“Ebola is not merely a medical issue; it is a national security threat, an economic disruption risk, and a humanitarian emergency in waiting,” HURIWA warned. “Any delay in response could result in devastating consequences for Nigeria’s healthcare system and economy.”
The group concluded that Nigeria must move from passive observation to active prevention now.
“Anything less would be a failure of leadership and a betrayal of public trust,” said HURIWA in the statement issued on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
