…Says No Confirmed Case In Nigeria, Urges Vigilance
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has stepped up health surveillance and emergency response measures across the country’s international airports, following renewed concerns over the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in parts of Central Africa.
In a statement, the aviation authority reassured travellers and stakeholders that comprehensive preventive protocols are already in place to safeguard public health and maintain safe airport operations.
Working in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services and other relevant agencies, FAAN said it has intensified passenger monitoring, particularly for arrivals from high-risk regions.
Passengers are currently being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, with provisions for immediate isolation and further medical evaluation of any suspected cases in line with national and international health guidelines.
The agency noted that it has also scaled up internal preparedness by strengthening coordination among stakeholders, improving staff sensitisation and reinforcing emergency response protocols to ensure rapid containment in the event of any health alert.
While stressing that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, FAAN said it is maintaining a high level of vigilance to prevent potential importation of the virus.
“Robust preventive measures have been put in place across all international airports,” the authority stated, adding that surveillance systems have been upgraded to detect and respond swiftly to any suspected infection.
FAAN urged passengers to remain calm and cooperate fully with ongoing health screening procedures, noting that early reporting of symptoms is critical to effective containment.
“Passengers are advised to remain calm, comply with health screening procedures, and report any symptoms to health officials,” the statement added.
The renewed measures come amid heightened global health surveillance as countries move to prevent cross-border transmission of infectious diseases through international travel.
Industry observers say the proactive stance reflects lessons learned from past outbreaks and underscores the importance of early detection systems at key entry points such as airports.
With air travel serving as a major channel for disease transmission, FAAN’s intervention is expected to bolster confidence among passengers while reinforcing Nigeria’s broader public health defence architecture.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
