The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced a series of strengthened health measures at the country’s international gateways as part of efforts to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease following a fresh outbreak in parts of Central Africa.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the authority said it is working closely with Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and other relevant agencies to tighten surveillance on inbound passengers, especially those arriving from high-risk countries.

According to the statement, passengers are now subject to enhanced screening for symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever and unexplained bleeding. Any traveller flagged during primary checks will be immediately isolated and referred for secondary medical assessment in line with national and international health protocols.

FAAN explained that the new measures build on existing public health systems at Nigerian airports, which were first significantly upgraded during the West African Ebola outbreak. The authority has reactivated emergency response plans, updated standard operating procedures, and ensured that isolation areas and medical facilities at terminals are ready for use if needed.

Beyond passenger screening, FAAN said it has intensified staff sensitisation campaigns, training frontline workers such as security personnel, airline staff, and ground handlers to recognise early warning signs of Ebola and to follow strict infection-prevention guidelines. Personal protective equipment and hygiene supplies have also been stocked to support rapid response.

While stressing that there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, the authority noted that the regional situation demands vigilance. Health officials are monitoring developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where the Bundibugyo strain of the virus has triggered renewed concern among neighbouring countries and international health partners.

FAAN urged travellers to cooperate fully with screening procedures, arrive early for flights to accommodate possible delays at checkpoints, and promptly report any symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, or bleeding to health personnel at the airport or at designated medical facilities.

The authority reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe, uninterrupted airport operations, adding that it will continue to review and adjust its measures in line with guidance from national health authorities and the World Health Organization.