Nigerian aviation and health authorities have intensified Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s busiest international gateway, the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, following renewed concern over outbreaks in parts of Central Africa.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), alongside Lagos State health officials and Port Health Services, conducted a joint inspection of airport preparedness systems aimed at strengthening early detection and response capabilities for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The exercise focused on assessing screening procedures, emergency response readiness and coordination mechanisms among key agencies responsible for managing public health risks at the point of entry.
Officials said the measures are designed to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola through international travel routes, particularly as cases continue to be reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health Akinola Abayomi led the delegation, alongside senior officials from the aviation and health sectors, including FAAN and Port Health Services representatives.
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Abayomi commended the aviation authorities for strengthening preventive systems, while warning that heightened vigilance remains necessary, particularly for passengers arriving from high-risk countries.
He stressed that effective containment depends on early identification, isolation and continuous monitoring of suspected cases in line with international public health standards.
“Prompt detection, reporting and response are essential to preventing the spread of any infectious disease within the airport environment and beyond,” an airport official said during the inspection.
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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict health protocols and improving coordination with other agencies to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
Airport management said surveillance systems have been reinforced, including passenger screening procedures, risk-based monitoring of flights from affected regions, and improved emergency preparedness planning.
Officials from Port Health Services also confirmed that updated risk assessments have been completed and that screening forms are being administered to passengers arriving from designated high-risk locations.
Airlines operating on affected routes have been identified as part of the response framework, with additional monitoring and documentation requirements now in place.
Authorities added that airport staff have undergone renewed training and sensitisation to ensure rapid identification and reporting of potential Ebola symptoms among travellers.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is also working with FAAN to ensure compliance with international health regulations and coordinated response protocols across all points of entry.
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The measures at Lagos airport reflect a broader regional response across West Africa, where governments are tightening border health surveillance in response to Ebola alerts in neighbouring Central African countries.
Public health experts continue to emphasise that while the risk of international spread remains limited with proper controls, vigilance at airports and other entry points is critical in preventing cross-border transmission.
The latest inspection underscores Nigeria’s effort to maintain a high level of preparedness at its major international airport, which serves as a key transit hub for passengers travelling across Africa and beyond.
Authorities say surveillance and emergency response systems will remain on heightened alert as global health agencies continue to monitor the situation in affected regions.
