Ondo South Senator, Prof. Dayo Faduyile OON, has raised a motion of urgent National importance on 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.
Faduyile, a Professor of Pathology and Forensic Medicine presented this motion at plenary on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
This is contained in statement signed by Faduyile’s aide, Steve Ovirih and made available to newsmen in Okitipupa
In the motion, Faduyile averred that the Bundybugio Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo declared in May 2026 and designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
He said that the Ebola outbreak has exceeded over 9,000 confirmed cases and 4,400 deaths, making it the second largest outbreak in history, adding that there is no approved vaccine or treatment for the strain.
The federal lawmaker said the outbreak has equally spread to Uganda and Kenya through a traveller who went from the DRC by road to Kampala and then flew to Nairobi, adding that it implies infected persons can pass through third countries.
The former President, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) cautioned that in July, 2014, a single traveler brought Ebola into Nigeria through the Lagos Airport, notimg that the Nigerian health system cannot afford another outbreak.
He noted that protecting the nation’s entry points is cheaper than managing one imported case and manning the entry points must be effected in line with International Health Regulations ( IHR 2025) without travel bans or discrimination.
In his prayers, Faduyile urged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigetia Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Port Health Services to make health screening mandatory for all arriving international passengers at every international airport, seaport and designated land borders.
He added yhahb such screening must include Health Declaration Form, (HDG), temperature check and symptom screening with enhanced screening for anyone who has been in or transited affected area in the past 21 days, regardless of nationality or country of departure.
He noted that Government should introduce exit screening for departring passengers during any declared emergency.
He also urged Federal Government through concerned ministries to provide adequate funds for the NCDC, and Port Health Facilities in the 2027 Budget and release all outstanding funds.
Among the Senators who contributed to the motion are Senators, Ali Ndume,Adamu Ailero, ,Ekong and Sadik Kumal with a consensus view that the reliefs sought in the motion will stem the tide of the spread of Ebola virus in Nigeria.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio appreciated the timely motion and the medical concern of Faduyile over the challenge of Ebola virus in Nigeria.