Nigeria Bars 46 Ebola Contacts From Flying, Tightens Airport Checks

October 22, 2026 — Nigeria has barred 46 contacts of its first Ebola patient from flying for at least 21 days and ordered tighter Ebola checks at all international airports. Canada has added an Ebola outbreak alert to its Nigeria travel advice.

What’s new since yesterday

No-fly order: Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said on October 21 that 46 people linked to the confirmed case are barred from air travel for a minimum of 21 days, Legit.ng reported. Forty-four are people the patient met at a hospital after falling ill, and two are domestic staff.
Airports: The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority was told to notify local and international airlines, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria was told to step up Ebola surveillance at all international airports. Measures already in place include temperature checks, travel-history checks and digital health declarations.
States on alert: Anambra, Niger and Ogun states have activated emergency health measures, and more than 100 people of interest are being traced across several states.
Senate call: On October 21 the Senate urged compulsory health screening for every international arrival at airports, seaports and land borders, whatever country they come from, Daily Trust reported. Since September 22, screening had been limited to travelers from listed countries of concern.
Canada’s advice: Global Affairs Canada updated its Nigeria page on October 21, adding an Ebola outbreak monitoring alert. The overall level is unchanged: avoid non-essential travel, with regional advisories. Canada notes some countries now screen or restrict travelers who were recently in an affected country.

What it means for airline travelers

Expect health checks at Nigerian airports. Have your travel history ready and allow extra time on arrival and departure. A fever at the airport can lead to isolation.
Screening may tighten further. If the Senate’s call is adopted, every arriving passenger would be screened, so leave more time for connections.
Watch your next stop. Other countries may screen travelers coming from Nigeria. Check the entry rules of your onward destination before you fly standby out of Lagos or Abuja.
Follow official guidance. Canada advises monitoring your health for 21 days after leaving and seeking care right away if symptoms appear. Talk to a travel clinic before you go.
Confirm your travel insurance covers medical evacuation, and register with STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.