ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has assured travellers and stakeholders that strict preventive measures have been activated at the country’s international airports following renewed concerns over the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in parts of Central Africa.
The agency said passenger surveillance, health screening, and emergency response procedures had been intensified in collaboration with relevant health authorities to prevent the possible importation of the deadly virus into Nigeria.
FAAN, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, disclosed that the authority was working closely with the Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and other stakeholders to strengthen monitoring at airports.
According to the statement, travellers arriving from countries considered high-risk are currently undergoing enhanced screening procedures, while officials have been placed on alert.
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The agency explained that passengers are being screened for symptoms linked to Ebola and that any suspected case would be immediately isolated for further examination in accordance with national and international health safety protocols.
Agbebire said the measures were part of efforts to reassure Nigerians and the international travelling community that the nation’s airports remain safe despite the health concerns emerging from the Central African region.
He added that the authority had intensified sensitisation among airport personnel and strengthened emergency response mechanisms to ensure swift action in the event of any health-related emergency.
The statement partly read, “FAAN wishes to reassure the travelling public and stakeholders that robust preventive measures have been put in place across all international airports in response to the recent Ebola Virus Disease situation in parts of Central Africa.
“Passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, and any suspected case will be promptly isolated and subjected to secondary health checks in line with established national and international health protocols.”
FAAN also urged passengers to remain calm, cooperate with health officials during screening procedures, and promptly report any symptoms or unusual health conditions while travelling.
“While there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria, FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations,” Agbebire stated.