Disease Importation at Nigerian Land Borders: Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract Cross-border spread of infectious diseases through land borders poses a global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. However, studies documenting disease importation events at ground crossing remains unexplored. Thus, this study examined reported disease importation events and the core capacity for early disease detection at selected land borders. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey of three major land ports, including Seme, Chikanda, and Jibiya land borders, between 2024 and 2025. Structured questionnaires were administered to 203 port health officers, and the collected data were analysed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS v25. Findings revealed 10 reported disease events involving seven pathogens, including COVID-19, Ebola, Lassa fever, Cholera, Mpox, Meningococcal meningitis, and yellow fever, with Seme and Jibiya borders each accounting for 40% of the events, while Chikanda accounted for 20%. Results further indicate that while primary screening measures were available, critical response capacities were limited, particularly isolation facilities (8%) and on-site diagnostics (33%). Also, core capacity deficits, including availability of trained staff, functional equipment, and communication systems, were significantly associated with preparedness indicators (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the continued vulnerability of cross-border surveillance systems, contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border surveillance and support the implementation of the International Health Regulations and national health security strategies.