The Federal Government says there is no immediate need to cancel public events such as campaigns, conferences and other large public gatherings following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported Ebola case. Government confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 20, 2026, after laboratory tests detected Bundibugyo virus in a woman who had recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.
Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, speaking at a press breifing in Abuja on Thursday, said government would consider restrictions if the situation worsened. He said any decision would be based on scientific evidence and public health advice. “At this moment, there is no indication that requires us to alter the course of large gatherings that have been planned,” he said.
“But if the situation changes, we’ll make a determination; we’ll consult broadly with the right experts and make that determination”, he added. The minister also warned politicians against using the Ebola case to score political points. He said public health was a concern shared by all Nigerians, regardless of their political, religious or ethnic backgrounds.
“If there is one issue that will unite Nigerians, it is health, because health has no political party, has no citizenship, has no nationality, has no tribe, no religion. It is a great unifier,” he said. Pate also assured that the patient was receiving treatment and showing signs of recovery.
“Today, I spoke to the clinicians, and I understand that laboratory results are showing great improvement, and there is a possibility that she would recover from this,” he said. “We have to continue to pray and work hard to ensure that she survives it,” he added.