The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified its public health surveillance architecture across the nation’s airports, reaffirming its commitment to preventing the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) through Nigeria’s air travel network.
The renewed assurance was delivered during a high-level workshop on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Preventive Measures held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The event brought together key stakeholders across aviation, border control, and public health sectors to assess existing response systems and strengthen coordinated outbreak prevention strategies.
According to a statement signed by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the workshop formed part of FAAN’s proactive safety framework aimed at reinforcing surveillance systems, improving inter-agency coordination, and ensuring rapid containment capability at all points of entry.
Heightened Surveillance at Airports
Health and border control authorities at the workshop disclosed that surveillance operations have been significantly intensified at international airports, particularly for passengers arriving from high-risk countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and other neighbouring regions experiencing Ebola-related public health alerts.
Officials noted that the objective is not only early detection but also strengthening Nigeria’s preventive health barrier at entry points, where international mobility poses potential transmission risks.
Digital Screening and Real-Time Monitoring
The Port Health Services (PHS) explained that enhanced screening mechanisms are currently operational across Nigerian airports. These include active temperature checks, passenger health monitoring protocols, and the deployment of QR code scanners designed to improve health declaration processes.
The QR code system enables passengers to complete mandatory health information digitally, allowing health officials to track, verify, and respond more efficiently to potential risk indicators. Authorities described the system as a significant step toward modernising Nigeria’s border health surveillance framework.
Strengthening Multi-Agency Coordination
Stakeholders at the workshop emphasised that effective Ebola preparedness depends on strong collaboration among aviation regulators, health institutions, security agencies, and airline operators.
They stressed that timely communication, rapid reporting mechanisms, and coordinated response protocols are essential to preventing any potential outbreak escalation.
Clinical Awareness and Early Detection
Medical experts at the session outlined key symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease, including persistent fever, unexplained bleeding, severe weakness, and rapid weight loss.
While noting that no specific cure was highlighted during the discussions, experts reiterated that early detection, immediate isolation, and supportive medical care remain the most effective tools in reducing fatalities and limiting transmission.
Preventive Measures and Public Safety Guidance
Participants reinforced several preventive measures, including strict hand hygiene practices, avoidance of unnecessary physical contact, improved sanitation at airports, and prompt isolation of suspected cases.
Airline operators were also advised to exercise heightened caution by avoiding the transportation of passengers displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease, to reduce cross-border health risks.
Commitment to Aviation Health Security
The workshop concluded with a unified call for sustained vigilance, improved public awareness, and continuous cooperation among all stakeholders involved in aviation and public health safety.
FAAN reaffirmed that safeguarding Nigeria’s airports extends beyond aviation efficiency—it is fundamentally a public health responsibility aimed at protecting passengers, airport personnel, and the wider population from potential infectious disease threats.
FAAN has intensified Ebola Virus Disease preparedness across Nigerian airports with enhanced surveillance, QR code screening, and inter-agency coordination to prevent possible outbreak risks at points of entry.
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