Nigeria faces worsening Lassa fever and cholera outbreaks amid Ebola spread concerns
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
Nigeria is currently experiencing significant outbreaks of Lassa fever and cholera, with 208 deaths from Lassa fever and 67 from cholera recorded in 2026. The country has seen 829 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 5,260 cholera infections. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC reported that cholera has affected 128 Local Government Areas across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of May 31, 2026. A cholera outbreak in Borno State in May, which infected approximately 3,000 residents, was linked to a contaminated community dam. Suspected cholera cases increased by 73 percent in May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with children under five being the most affected. Lassa fever has primarily affected young adults aged 21 to 30, with the case fatality rate rising to 25.1 percent this year, up from 19.1 percent in the corresponding period last year. These outbreaks are occurring amidst fears of Ebola spreading from recent outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While Nigeria has not recorded any Ebola cases, its interconnected borders, poor environmental sanitation, and an overstretched healthcare system heighten the risk. The NCDC has activated enhanced surveillance at international airports and increased public sensitization. Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, stated Nigeria's Ebola preparedness is at 59 percent, and Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, assessed Nigeria's r
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Lebanon has announced that citizens from 13 African countries are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival. This policy allows travelers from these nations to enter Lebanon without obtaining a visa from a Lebanese embassy prior to their departure. The eligible countries include Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia from North Africa; Ghana, C么te d鈥橧voire, and Nigeria from West Africa; and Comoros, Djibouti, and Somalia from East Africa. Upon arrival at Lebanese airports or land border crossings, eligible travelers will be issued a one-month tourist visa, provided they meet specific entry conditions. These conditions include presenting a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, proof of accommodation such as a confirmed hotel booking or a verified residential address with the host's contact number, and evidence of sufficient financial means, specifically at least $2,000 in cash or a certified bank cheque of the same value. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to refusal of entry, even if the traveler is from an eligible country.
Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, has voiced concerns regarding the proposed 2026 federal budget, advocating for increased transparency, accountability, and robust oversight in public fund management. In a statement, Frank highlighted that the ongoing public debate surrounding the budget has intensified scrutiny of government spending, emphasizing the need for financial management institutions to uphold openness and accountability. He urged the Federal Government to enhance accountability mechanisms to rebuild public trust and ensure prudent management of resources. Frank stated that recent revelations and controversies around the 2026 budget reinforce the perception of the current administration as one of Nigeria鈥檚 most troubling in recent history. He added that allegations of inflated budgetary provisions and questionable expenditures raise new concerns about the budgeting process's credibility. The former APC spokesman also called on the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional duty of scrutinizing government expenditure and providing effective oversight. He noted that public perception of the legislature's lack of independence could weaken democratic institutions and public trust. Frank appealed to Nigeria鈥檚 international development partners to continue support while encouraging stricter safeguards to ensure transparent management of development assistance. He also urged Nigerians to peacefully demand greater
Former Nigeria women鈥檚 national team players have cautioned that the Federal Government鈥檚 failure to fulfill promises made to the Super Falcons could jeopardize the team鈥檚 pursuit of an 11th Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations title and qualification for the next FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup. Members of the United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide, meeting in Chicago, expressed concern that the government has not yet delivered on promises of $100,000, land allocations, and other rewards for each player, a year after the team's success. Former player Patience Avre stated that the uncertainty surrounding these unfulfilled promises has negatively impacted the morale of current players preparing for the tournament in Morocco. She added that players are hesitant to complain openly for fear of being dropped. The former players are appealing to the Federal Government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to motivate the current squad and ensure both past and present Super Falcons players benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing historical poor treatment of ex-players. In contrast, Nigeria鈥檚 women鈥檚 basketball team, D鈥橳igress, received their promised $100,000 and housing units after winning the 2025 Women鈥檚 AfroBasket. The National Sports Commission attributed the delay for the Super Falcons to the postponement of their camping program ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, noting that the Super Eagles received their land documents and national honors certificates before