Nigerian Senate Calls for Mandatory Health Screenings for Ebola

The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to enforce mandatory health screening for all international travelers arriving in Nigeria to prevent the importation of Ebola and other infectious diseases. This resolution was adopted following a motion titled “Urgent Need to Enforce Mandatory Health Screening at All International Airports and Other Entry Points to Prevent the Importation of Ebola and Other Epidemic-Prone Diseases into Nigeria,” sponsored by Senator Francis Adedayo Faduyile, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District.

Proposed measures include health declaration forms, temperature checks, and symptom screenings at international airports, seaports, and designated land borders. The Senate also urged the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to release emergency funds to support health agencies.

Additionally, they called for the preparation of isolation and treatment centers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The motion was prompted by concerns over the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has resulted in over 9,000 confirmed cases and 4,400 deaths.