The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Lagos State Government, and Port Health Services have strengthened Ebola surveillance measures at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, to prevent the importation and spread of the deadly virus.
Eko Hot News reports that the renewed efforts followed a joint inspection of preparedness and response facilities at MMIA aimed at assessing the airport’s readiness to detect, monitor, and respond to any potential Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) threat.
The inspection comes amid growing concerns over the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the need to safeguard public health at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
The exercise brought together key stakeholders from the health and aviation sectors to evaluate existing surveillance and prevention mechanisms.
Among the officials present were Prof. Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi, MMIA Airport Manager Olatokunbo Arewa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide.
Also in attendance were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, and the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Ismail Adeshina Abdus-Salam.
Speaking during the inspection, Prof. Abayomi commended FAAN and health authorities for their swift response and proactive measures following developments in the DRC.
He stressed the need for heightened vigilance, particularly in monitoring passengers arriving from countries considered high-risk.
According to the commissioner, effective screening procedures must remain in place to identify, isolate, and monitor travellers who may pose a public health risk.
He emphasized that strict adherence to established health protocols is essential to preventing disease transmission.
Prof. Abayomi noted that continuous collaboration among relevant agencies remains critical to safeguarding public health.
He added that preventing the importation of infectious diseases requires coordinated action across all sectors involved in airport operations.
In his remarks, Olatokunbo Arewa reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to maintaining all necessary preventive measures at the airport.
He assured the delegation that the authority would continue to comply with national and international health regulations.
The airport manager also called for stronger synergy among stakeholders to ensure rapid response to any suspected case.
He highlighted the importance of immediate action whenever symptoms associated with Ebola are detected in travellers.
According to him, prompt detection, reporting, and response remain the most effective tools in containing infectious diseases.
The Officer-in-Charge of Port Health Services and Head of the Point of Entry team at MMIA, Dr. Abdullahi Lawal, disclosed that emergency preparedness plans have been reviewed.
He said comprehensive risk assessments have also been conducted to strengthen the airport’s response capacity.
Dr. Lawal revealed that airlines operating from high-risk destinations have been identified for enhanced monitoring.
He added that screening forms are being administered to passengers arriving from affected regions.
According to him, stakeholders have been assigned specific responsibilities under the airport’s emergency response framework.
General Manager, Aviation Medical, FAAN, Dr. Ibrahim Bilikisu, said the agency continues to collaborate closely with aviation regulators.
She noted that FAAN and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority have maintained information-sharing and coordinated response efforts.
Dr. Bilikisu explained that airport personnel have undergone sensitisation and training to identify and report potential public health threats.
She added that the measures align with international health regulations and global best practices.
As part of the exercise, members of the Lagos State delegation toured critical facilities within the airport.
The inspection enabled officials to verify compliance with Ebola screening, surveillance, and prevention protocols.
Authorities expressed confidence in the airport’s preparedness while reaffirming the need for sustained vigilance.
The joint effort underscores Lagos State’s commitment to protecting residents and visitors from emerging infectious diseases.
