The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has directed airlines and airport authorities across the country to tighten health surveillance measures following concerns over a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a circular dated May 18, 2026, the NCAA said the directive became necessary due to increasing fears over the spread of the disease and the important role the aviation sector plays in preventing cross-border transmission.
Although no confirmed Ebola case linked to the outbreak has been recorded in Nigeria, the authority said it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Port Health Services and international health agencies to monitor developments.
According to the NCAA, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo recently detected a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone located in the northeastern part of the country.
Laboratory investigations later confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of the Ebola virus family known to cause severe haemorrhagic fever in humans.
The authority noted that there is currently no approved vaccine specifically designed for the Bundibugyo strain, while treatment options remain largely supportive and focused on managing symptoms.
The NCAA listed symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease to include sudden fever, extreme weakness, persistent headache, vomiting, stomach pain and bleeding symptoms such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.
It stressed that early detection and immediate reporting remain essential in preventing the international spread of the disease.
As part of preventive measures, the authority said disease surveillance at airports has been strengthened, while contact tracing systems, case reporting procedures and border health screening operations are also being reinforced.
The NCAA further directed pilots to immediately notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease cases onboard aircraft, in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
Flight crew members were also instructed to complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases, while airlines must ensure passenger locator forms are properly filled and handed over to Port Health officials upon arrival.
The authority added that airlines are expected to properly equip aircraft with first aid kits, universal precaution kits and emergency medical kits.
It also urged airline operators to intensify crew training on the identification and management of communicable diseases while maintaining strict compliance with infection prevention and control guidelines.
The NCAA called on all stakeholders in the aviation sector to remain alert and fully comply with public health protocols in order to protect passengers, crew members and the general public from possible health threats.
