The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has ordered airlines and airport operators to strengthen health surveillance measures following the Ebola outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
According to a report by Channels Television, the NCAA issued the directive in a circular dated May 18, 2026, citing concerns over the possible cross-border spread of the Ebola Virus Disease through air travel.
The authority said although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case linked to the latest outbreak, it is working with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services and international health agencies to monitor developments closely.
The outbreak was traced to a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Laboratory investigations later confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola.
The NCAA noted that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain, while treatment remains supportive and symptom-based.
It listed common symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease as sudden fever, severe fatigue, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding signs including nosebleeds and vomiting blood.
As part of preventive measures, the aviation regulator said disease surveillance systems at airports have been strengthened, while contact tracing, case reporting and border health screening procedures are also being reinforced.
The authority directed pilots to report any suspected communicable disease cases onboard aircraft to Air Traffic Control in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
Flight crew members were also instructed to complete Aircraft General Declaration forms for suspected cases, while airlines must ensure passenger locator forms are submitted to Port Health Services after arrival.
The NCAA further mandated airlines to equip aircraft with first aid kits, universal precaution kits and emergency medical kits.
Operators were also urged to intensify crew training on identifying and managing communicable diseases and comply strictly with infection prevention and control guidelines.
The authority called on all aviation stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere fully to public health protocols aimed at protecting passengers, crew members and the wider public.
