NESG confirms economic summit despite Ebola case in Abuja

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has confirmed that the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#32) will hold as scheduled on October 26 and 27, 2026, in Abuja, despite the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory.

The summit, scheduled to take place at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will be conducted in a modified hybrid format, with enhanced public health measures introduced in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The decision follows the confirmation of a single imported case of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) disease in the FCT on October 20, 2026.

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According to the NESG, the affected patient has been isolated, while health authorities are monitoring contacts.

The group said its decision to proceed with the summit followed an assessment of the situation against the NCDC’s public health guidelines for mass gatherings, noting that an imported case alone does not warrant the cancellation of the event.

It added that proportionate precautionary measures, informed by a health security risk assessment, had been put in place to protect participants.

The two-day summit is expected to attract the Presidency, members of the Federal Executive Council, state governors, captains of industry and other distinguished participants from Nigeria and abroad.

Confirmed speakers include the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Amina Mohammed; Prof. Stefan Derco of Oxford University; and the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Samad Rabiu.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare is also expected to attend the opening ceremony.

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Dr Tayo Aduloju, said the safety of delegates, partners and staff remained the organisation’s top priority.

“The safety of every delegate, partner and member of staff comes first,” Aduloju said. He explained that the decision was based on available evidence and consultations with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NCDC, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, FCT health authorities and Transcorp Hilton.

According to him, the measures adopted are designed to enable the summit to proceed safely at a time when discussions on Nigeria’s economic future remain critical.

He thanked the group’s partners for their support and urged participants to comply with guidance from the health authorities.

Under the new arrangements, physical attendance will be restricted to registered delegates, while registration for in-person participation has closed. The NESG said there would be no on-site registration or admission for walk-in participants.

All plenary sessions will be streamed live on the NES#32 virtual platform, with registered delegates permitted to switch to virtual participation.

The organisation further stated that all persons entering the venue, including delegates, staff, vendors and media representatives, would be required to complete a health declaration and undergo temperature screening daily.

Participants experiencing fever or other symptoms, as well as those who have had contact with a known or suspected Ebola case within the preceding 21 days, have been advised against attending physically and should participate online instead.

The NESG also clarified that Ebola is not transmitted through the air or by people who are not showing symptoms, explaining that transmission occurs through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person who is ill.
It advised anyone with health concerns to contact the NCDC toll-free line on 6232.

Registered delegates are expected to receive the NES#32 Delegates Health and Safety Information Pack by email, while accredited media representatives will be subject to the same health screening requirements as other participants.

The NESG said it would continue to review the public health situation daily in consultation with the relevant authorities and promptly communicate any changes through its official channels.

The Nigerian Economic Summit is the NESG’s flagship event, bringing together government, businesses, civil society organisations and development partners to discuss policies and strategies for building a modern, globally competitive Nigerian economy through public-private dialogue.