FAAN tightens airport surveillance over Ebola outbreak fears

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has assured travellers and stakeholders that stringent preventive measures have been activated across the nation’s international airports following renewed concerns over the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak reported in parts of Central Africa.

The authority said it had intensified passenger surveillance, health screening, and emergency response procedures in collaboration with relevant health agencies to prevent any 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, said the agency 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, passengers arriving from countries considered high-risk are currently undergoing enhanced screening procedures as officials have been placed on alert.

The agency explained that travellers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola and that any suspected case would immediately be isolated for further examination in line with both national and international health safety protocols.

Agbebire stated that the measures formed part of efforts to reassure Nigerians and the international travelling community that the country’s airports remain safe despite the health concerns emerging from the Central African region.

He further disclosed that the agency had heightened sensitisation among airport workers and reinforced emergency response mechanisms to ensure that officials can respond swiftly 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.

Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.