ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Lagos State Government health authorities, and Port Health Services have stepped up preventive measures against the importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following a joint assessment of the facility’s preparedness.
A statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the inspection focused on evaluating the airport’s capacity to detect, monitor, and respond to possible Ebola cases, especially amid renewed concerns over outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The exercise brought together key stakeholders from the aviation and health sectors, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Emmanuel Abayomi; MMIA Airport Manager, Mr Olatokunbo Arewa; FAAN General Manager, Aviation Medical, Dr Ibrahim Bilikisu; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi; and State Epidemiologist, Dr Ismail Abdus-Salam.
During the inspection, Abayomi stressed the need for increased vigilance and stricter monitoring, particularly for passengers arriving from high-risk countries.
He noted that established procedures must be strictly followed to identify, isolate, and monitor such travellers while ensuring full compliance with public health regulations.
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The commissioner emphasised that cooperation among relevant agencies was crucial in preventing the importation and spread of infectious diseases through the airport.
Arewa also stated that FAAN would continue to enforce preventive measures and adhere to health guidelines.
He further urged stronger inter-agency collaboration and immediate response when symptoms suggestive of Ebola are detected in any traveller, saying, “Prompt detection, reporting, and response are essential to preventing the spread of any infectious disease within the airport environment and beyond,” he said.
In a briefing, the Officer-in-Charge of Port Health Services and Head of the Point of Entry team at MMIA, Dr Abdullahi Lawal, said the airport’s emergency preparedness and response plan had been updated, with comprehensive risk assessments conducted.
He explained that airlines operating from high-risk destinations had been identified, passenger screening forms were being administered on arrival, and clear responsibilities had been assigned under the emergency response framework.
Bilikisu added that FAAN and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority had continued to exchange information and coordinate response efforts in line with international health regulations and global standards.
She said airport personnel had been sensitised and trained to detect, report, and respond to potential public health threats.
As part of the exercise, the Lagos State Government delegation also inspected key airport facilities to confirm compliance with Ebola surveillance, screening, and prevention protocols, reviewing overall preparedness for potential public health emergencies.