LCCI says Ebola reporting could hurt economy

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged journalists to exercise restraint in reporting the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country because of the potential to hurt the Nigerian economy.

The president of LCCI, Mr Remi Bello, said in a statement on Monday that the appeal became necessary following the negative impact of the news of the scourge on business activities in Lagos.

“As the containment measures progress, the imperative of discretion in information management needs to be underscored.

“Care should be taken not to escalate the Ebola crisis beyond the reality of its occurrence.

“We urge some measure of proportionality in media reports both locally and internationally.

“The Ebola hype has created a disproportionate panic, anxiety and scare, projecting the country as endemic Ebola zone.

“Ebola is alien to our environment and, therefore, a momentary phenomenon. There is currently the risk of international isolation, stigmatization and unwarranted discriminatory practices against the citizens travelling outside our shores,” he said.

Bello expressed worry that the unrestrained reporting of the virus could have grave consequences for the economy and the citizens.

The LCCI president commended the Federal Government for taking steps in combating the spread of the disease and also urged citizens to maintain proper hygiene and report suspected cases promptly.

Minister of health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, had confirmed only 12 people to have contacted the virus with four deaths.

He said 189 persons and another six people were under surveillance respectively in Lagos and Enugu.

A report released on Saturday by the Financial Derivatives Company also projected that Nigeria may lose up to $2 billion (N320 billion) to the Ebola scourge.

The report added that if the virus was not properly controlled, the losses may go up to $3.5 billion (N480 billion) in the next quarter.

It identified the core susceptible sectors as hospitality, tourism, agriculture, health and trade.