The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has confirmed that the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit will be held on October 26 and 27 in Abuja, despite an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Organisers have introduced additional health precautions to protect participants.

The two-day summit, scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will adopt a modified hybrid format following consultations with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The decision follows health authorities’ confirmation on October 20 of an imported case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the FCT.

According to the NESG, health authorities have isolated the patient and are monitoring contacts. The group said it decided to proceed after assessing the situation against the NCDC’s public health guidelines for mass gatherings.

The NESG said that confirming an imported case alone did not require cancelling the summit, adding that it would implement precautionary measures to protect delegates, workers and other participants.

The NESG Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tayo Aduloju, said the organisation made participants’ safety its main consideration in deciding to proceed with the event.

“The safety of every delegate, partner and member of staff comes first,” Aduloju said.

He explained that the decision was reached in consultation with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NCDC, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), FCT health authorities and Transcorp Hilton.

Aduloju said the arrangements would allow the summit to proceed while participants follow health authorities’ guidance.

He also urged delegates and other participants to comply with the preventive measures put in place for the event.

Under the revised arrangements, physical attendance will be restricted to delegates who have already registered. The NESG said registration for in-person participation had closed and the venue would not allow walk-in admission or registration.

All plenary sessions will stream live on the summit’s virtual platform, allowing registered delegates to participate online if they choose not to attend in person.

The organisers have also made daily health declarations and temperature checks compulsory for everyone entering the venue, including delegates, staff, vendors and media personnel.

Participants with fever or other symptoms, as well as those who have been in contact with a known or suspected Ebola case within the preceding 21 days, have been advised not to attend in person. They are expected to participate online instead.

The NESG said delegates would receive a health and safety information pack by email to guide them on the summit arrangements and precautions.

It also provided the NCDC’s toll-free number, 6232, for people seeking information or assistance with health concerns.

The organisation explained that Ebola does not spread through the air or from asymptomatic people. According to the statement, transmission occurs through direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is ill with the disease.

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

Despite the revised attendance arrangements, the summit is expected to attract senior government officials, state governors, business leaders and speakers from Nigeria and abroad.

Confirmed attendees include the Presidency, members of the Federal Executive Council, state governors and captains of industry.

The organisers have listed the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr Amina Mohammed; Prof Stefan Derco of Oxford University; and the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Samad Rabiu, among the speakers.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare is also expected to attend the opening ceremony. (The Nation)