The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has confirmed that the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit will hold as scheduled in Abuja despite the confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.
The two-day summit is scheduled for October 26 and 27, with organisers adopting additional health and safety measures in response to the ongoing public health situation.
The decision comes as Nigerian health authorities intensify surveillance and contact tracing following the confirmation of the country’s first Ebola case.
The NESG said the summit would proceed in a modified format, including hybrid participation, to allow discussions on Nigeria’s economic outlook while limiting unnecessary physical exposure.
The summit is expected to bring together government officials, private-sector leaders, development partners, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss economic reforms, investment, job creation and national development.
Health precautions have been incorporated into arrangements for the event, with participants expected to follow relevant public health guidance.
The development comes as the Federal Government expands its Ebola preparedness measures, including contact tracing, surveillance at ports of entry and efforts to increase isolation and treatment capacity.
The confirmed Ebola case has already prompted several organisations and institutions to review planned gatherings and activities in Abuja.
Despite the health concerns, the NESG has maintained that the economic summit remains important for policy discussions and engagement between the public and private sectors.
The 32nd summit will therefore proceed against the backdrop of heightened public health surveillance as authorities continue efforts to prevent further transmission of the virus.