Nigeria Airports On High Alert As FAAN Tightens Ebola Surveillance
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has intensified health surveillance and screening measures across the Country’s International Airport following renewed concerns over the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in parts of Central Africa.
Global Mirror News reports that the authority said it had activated strict preventive protocols in collaboration with Health Agencies to prevent any possible importation of the deadly virus into Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday May 21, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, assured travellers and stakeholders that Nigerian airports remain safe despite growing regional health concerns.
According to the Agency, enhanced passenger monitoring, health screening, and emergency response procedures are currently in place at all international airports across the Country.
FAAN disclosed that it is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance and improve rapid response mechanisms at entry points.
The authority explained that passengers arriving from Countries classified as high-risk are undergoing additional screening procedures, while Airport Health Officials have been placed on high alert.
Agbebire stated that travellers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, adding that any suspected case would immediately be isolated and subjected to secondary health examinations in line with established National and International safety protocols.
The statement read in part, “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.”
The Agency further revealed that awareness campaigns have been intensified among Airport workers, while emergency response systems have also been reinforced to ensure quick intervention in the event of any health-related incident.
FAAN urged passengers to remain calm, cooperate fully with health officials during screening processes, and report any unusual symptoms noticed during or after travel.
“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 added.
