The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Lagos State Government health officials, and Port Health Services have strengthened measures to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following a joint inspection of the airport’s preparedness facilities.
A statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the inspection assessed the airport’s readiness to detect, monitor, and respond to potential Ebola threats, particularly in light of recent developments surrounding the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The exercise involved stakeholders from the health and aviation sectors, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Emmanuel Abayomi; MMIA Airport Manager, Mr Olatokunbo Arewa; General Manager, Aviation Medical, FAAN, Dr Ibrahim Bilikisu; the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi; and the State Epidemiologist, Dr Ismail Abdus-Salam.
Speaking during the inspection, Abayomi said there was a need for heightened vigilance and stricter surveillance, particularly for passengers arriving from countries considered high-risk.
