ACCI Urges Businesses, Residents to Strengthen Ebola Prevention Measures
… Chamber calls for public vigilance, workplace hygiene and compliance with health guidelines to protect lives and economic activities
Oru Leonard
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has urged businesses, workers and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to intensify efforts to prevent Ebola, stressing that public awareness and strict compliance with official health guidelines are essential to protecting lives and maintaining economic stability.
The Chamber made the call through its Director-General, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, who advised members of the public to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene and promptly seek guidance from appropriate public health authorities whenever Ebola infection is suspected.
According to the Chamber, effective disease prevention requires collective responsibility, accurate public information and sustained cooperation among individuals, businesses and communities.
Jideani warned that disease outbreaks could extend beyond the health sector, with potential consequences for business operations, workforce productivity, trade, supply chains and livelihoods.
He noted that preventive action was necessary to minimise avoidable disruptions to commercial activities and protect the wider economy from the consequences of public health emergencies.
As part of the recommended precautions, the ACCI Director-General urged residents to avoid direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients.
He also advised the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, while avoiding contact with bats, monkeys and other potentially infected wild animals.
Jideani further encouraged anyone who suspects an Ebola infection to contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) through its official channels for guidance on the appropriate steps to take.
He emphasised the importance of following professional public health instructions rather than visiting a health facility without prior guidance, noting that appropriate handling of suspected cases is critical to reducing the risk of further transmission.
The Chamber also urged its staff and the wider business community to observe workplace hygiene, exercise caution and comply with public health directives issued by the relevant authorities.
It stressed that employers have an important role to play in protecting their workforce by promoting awareness, encouraging responsible health practices and ensuring that employees have access to reliable information about disease prevention.
According to ACCI, misinformation and the circulation of unverified reports could undermine public health efforts, making it essential for individuals and organisations to rely on credible official sources when sharing information about Ebola.
The Chamber reiterated that safeguarding public health is a shared responsibility that requires coordination between government agencies, businesses, workers and community leaders.
It added that a healthy workforce and a safe operating environment are fundamental to business continuity, investor confidence and sustainable economic growth.
ACCI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safe and resilient business environment in the FCT, urging residents and enterprises to take preventive measures seriously and support efforts by relevant authorities to protect lives and livelihoods.
The statement was signed by Olayemi John-Mensah, ACCI Media and Strategy Officer.
