The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced the implementation of enhanced Ebola prevention and surveillance measures at the country’s international airports as part of efforts to protect travellers and prevent any possible outbreak of the disease in Nigeria.
The move follows recent concerns over the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) situation in parts of Central Africa, prompting aviation and public health authorities to strengthen precautionary systems at entry points into the country.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, FAAN reassured the travelling public, airline operators, and other stakeholders that comprehensive safety protocols had already been activated in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services, and other relevant agencies.
According to the authority, airport health surveillance has been intensified, especially for passengers arriving from countries considered vulnerable to the disease outbreak.
The agency explained that health officials are conducting screening procedures aimed at identifying travellers showing symptoms linked to Ebola.
FAAN stated that any passenger suspected of carrying symptoms associated with the virus would immediately be isolated and subjected to additional medical examinations and secondary health screening procedures in line with globally accepted public health standards.
The authority also disclosed that it had strengthened operational coordination among airport stakeholders while reinforcing emergency preparedness systems to guarantee rapid response in the event of any suspected case.
As part of the preventive strategy, FAAN said airport personnel and frontline workers had undergone renewed sensitisation and awareness exercises to improve detection capabilities and emergency handling procedures.
The agency maintained that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria, but stressed that continuous vigilance remains necessary due to the highly infectious nature of the disease and the importance of international travel monitoring.
FAAN further appealed to passengers to cooperate fully with health officials by complying with screening requirements and promptly reporting any symptoms or unusual health conditions observed during travel.
The authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and efficient airport operations while safeguarding the health of passengers and airport personnel.
The statement was signed by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN.
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