Lagos, FAAN Tighten Ebola Watch At MMIA After Joint Readiness Inspection
The Lagos State health officials, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Port Health Services have stepped up Ebola surveillance and emergency preparedness at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) following a joint inspection of the airport’s response facilities.
The review — prompted by developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — assessed the airport’s ability to detect, monitor and respond to any potential Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) threat.
The exercise brought together senior representatives from health and aviation agencies, including Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof. Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi; MMIA Airport Manager Olatokunbo Arewa; FAAN General Manager, Aviation Medical Dr. Ibrahim Bilikisu; Permanent Secretary Dr. Dayo Lajide; Special Adviser on Health Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi; and State Epidemiologist Dr. Ismail Adeshina Abdus‑Salam.
Prof. Abayomi praised FAAN and partners for their swift preventive actions and urged heightened vigilance, particularly for passengers from high‑risk countries. He called for rigorous procedures to identify, separate and monitor such travellers while ensuring strict adherence to public health protocols.
Airport Manager Arewa reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to sustaining preventive measures and urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders, stressing the need for immediate action on any passenger displaying Ebola‑like symptoms.
Port Health Services Officer‑in‑Charge Dr. Abdullahi Lawal said MMIA’s emergency preparedness and response plan has been reviewed, comprehensive risk assessments completed, and airlines from high‑risk destinations identified. Screening forms are now being used for passengers on those flights and roles have been assigned under the response framework.
Dr. Bilikisu noted ongoing information‑sharing and coordination with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in line with international health regulations, and confirmed that airport staff have been trained to detect and report public health threats.
The inspection included tours of critical facilities to verify compliance with Ebola surveillance, screening and prevention protocols, underscoring the joint resolve of health and aviation authorities to keep MMIA ready to respond to any public health emergency.