Ebola Alert: Akwa Ibom Assembly Seeks Airport, Health Surveillance MeasuresEbola Alert: Akwa Ibom Assembly Seeks Airport, Health Surveillance MeasuresThe Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for heightened disease surveillance and public awareness across the state following reports of an imported Ebola case in Abuja.
The House made the call on Wednesday during plenary, directing relevant authorities, particularly the State Ministry of Health, to take preventive steps to reduce the risk of the virus spreading into Akwa Ibom.
The resolution followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, who represents Itu State Constituency.
Edidem told lawmakers that the Federal Government had confirmed an imported case of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, raising concerns about the need for vigilance in other parts of the country.
He explained that the patient, a woman who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda through Addis Ababa on October 5, had previously travelled on business to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the lawmaker, the woman reportedly developed symptoms on October 7 and visited a private hospital in Abuja four days later with symptoms resembling malaria. Her condition subsequently deteriorated, and she tested positive on October 19, with confirmation announced the following day.
Edidem said the patient had been placed in isolation and was receiving treatment, while 44 contacts, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, travel contacts and the woman’s husband, had been identified for monitoring.
He warned that Akwa Ibom’s connections to other parts of the country and beyond, including through Victor Attah International Airport and the state’s motor parks, made preventive vigilance necessary.
The Deputy Speaker urged the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness before any suspected case could pose a wider public health risk.
Seconding the motion, the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, supported the call for preventive action.
The House Leader, Barr. Otobong Bob, who represents Nsit Ubium State Constituency, also backed the motion, stressing the need for measures to contain the potential spread of the disease.
Similarly, the member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Moses Essien, said public health concerns should be treated seriously and called for mechanisms to guard against a possible outbreak.
The member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, disclosed that he had postponed a planned trip to Abuja following reports of the Ebola case, adding that the situation underscored the need for precautionary measures.
Following deliberations, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, to communicate the Assembly’s concerns to relevant authorities.
Otong also directed the Ministry of Health to intensify public education on preventive measures against Ebola.
The House adjourned plenary until Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
