The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has activated enhanced Ebola response protocols across all international airports in the country to strengthen surveillance, screening, and emergency preparedness against possible importation of the virus.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN.
The move follows the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of Central Africa, which has prompted heightened regional health monitoring and cross-border response coordination.
FAAN stated that it has intensified preventive health measures in collaboration with key agencies, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Port Health Services.
According to the authority, passengers arriving from high-risk regions are now undergoing enhanced screening procedures, while individuals suspected of showing symptoms consistent with Ebola are being isolated for further medical evaluation.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (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 (EVD) situation in parts of Central Africa,” the statement read in part.
FAAN also confirmed that surveillance and monitoring activities have been intensified, particularly for travellers from affected regions, in line with national and international health safety guidelines.
The agency added that airport personnel have received updated training on emergency response protocols to ensure effective coordination across all terminals and improve rapid response capacity.
It stressed that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease at present and urged the public to remain calm while adhering to screening and safety procedures at airports.
Travellers were encouraged to comply fully with health checks and promptly report any symptoms to officials to support early detection and containment efforts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing rising regional spread and concerns over underreporting in affected areas.
According to the WHO, confirmed and suspected cases have been recorded in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, raising fears of wider transmission if containment measures fail.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) reiterated that Nigeria remains Ebola-free, while strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory readiness, and risk communication strategies nationwide.
The agency advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Ebola in patients with relevant symptoms and travel history, while strictly following infection prevention and control protocols.
Authorities say ongoing measures aim to balance strong public health protection with the smooth operation of international air travel.
