The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has urged businesses, workers and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strictly observe official Ebola prevention measures, warning that an outbreak could threaten public health, disrupt commercial activities and undermine economic stability.
The chamber’s Director-General, Agabaidu Jideani, made the call in a public advisory issued on Thursday, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, practise good hygiene and promptly report suspected cases through appropriate public health channels.
The advisory comes after the Federal Government confirmed an Ebola case in the FCT on October 20, involving a woman who had recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda. Health authorities said she was receiving care in isolation and that contact tracing had begun, with 44 close contacts initially identified.
Jideani said disease outbreaks could have consequences beyond the health sector, affecting trade, workforce productivity, supply chains and livelihoods.
“Protecting public health is essential to sustaining business operations, safeguarding lives and preserving economic stability,” he said.
As part of the recommended precautions, the ACCI director-general advised the public to avoid direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola cases. He also urged regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
He cautioned against handling potentially infected wild animals, including bats and monkeys, which can carry viruses associated with Ebola transmission.
Jideani advised anyone who suspects an Ebola infection to contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) through its official channels and follow instructions from public health authorities on accessing care. He said people should not take suspected cases to health facilities without prior guidance, as directed by the relevant authorities.
The chamber also urged employers to strengthen workplace hygiene, educate employees about preventive practices and ensure that information shared with staff and customers comes from credible public health sources.
Jideani said workplace vigilance and responsible conduct were necessary to protect employees, business visitors and the wider community.
He further called on residents, employers, workers and community leaders to avoid spreading unverified information and support coordinated efforts to limit transmission.
The ACCI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safe and resilient business environment, stressing that cooperation between the public, businesses and health authorities was essential to protecting lives and reducing avoidable economic disruption.
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