Even as some Nigerians remain sceptical about reports of an Ebola outbreak in the country, the Federal Government has maintained that genomic analysis links Nigeria’s imported case to the virus identified in Kenya’s index case.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Friday night in Abuja while briefing journalists on the country’s response to the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case.
Pate said additional genomic analysis conducted with support from laboratories at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Prof. Christian Happi’s laboratory at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, established a close genetic relationship between the viruses.
He, however, cautioned that the finding did not conclusively establish how the infection reached Nigeria.
“There is no evidence of travel of that index case in Kenya that links it to Nigeria, but the viruses are appearing to be related,” the minister said.
He explained that further evidence was needed to determine whether the genomic findings would change the current understanding of the transmission route.
Despite the government’s position, some Nigerians have questioned the credibility of the reported outbreak, with some alleging that the announcement could be a pretext to restrict opposition parties from holding campaign rallies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Those expressing such views have questioned why authorities have yet to publicly identify the Kenyan index case allegedly linked to Nigeria’s case, while swiftly issuing advisories against public gatherings that could affect political campaign activities.
The controversy has been further fuelled by allegations from some Nigerians who question the timing of the reported outbreak. They have drawn a connection between what they describe as a “suspicious” Ebola alert and President Bola Tinubu’s reported position that the Constitution does not require him to personally participate in campaign rallies.
Those advancing this argument have suggested that the health advisory against public gatherings could have implications for opposition parties’ campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the allegations have not been substantiated by evidence presented in the minister’s briefing. The timing of public health measures, by itself, does not establish that the government’s response is politically motivated.
Pate maintained that Nigeria had only one confirmed case, while contact tracing, quarantine and testing of identified contacts continued. Some test results had returned negative, while others were still pending.
He said the government had activated its response mechanisms through the Incident Management System coordinated by the NCDC and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The measures include strengthening laboratory capacity, case management, infection prevention and control in health facilities, and public communication. Health workers are also being sensitised to identify suspected cases and promptly notify public health authorities.
Addressing public concerns, Pate explained that Ebola is not transmitted through the air but through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials.
He urged Nigerians to obtain information from credible sources, including the NCDC, the health ministry, the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, warning against unverified claims circulating on social media.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and observe public health precautions as authorities work to prevent further transmission into communities.
“We call on Nigerians to remain vigilant, but also be calm. There is no need to panic, but it is important to follow public health preventive measures that have been clearly identified,” he said.
