In response to fresh worries about the Ebola virus outbreak that has been reported in some regions of Central Africa, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has reassured travelers and stakeholders that strict preventive measures have been implemented throughout the country’s international airports.
In order to stop any potential importation of the fatal virus into Nigeria, the authority claimed to have increased passenger surveillance, health screening, and emergency response protocols in cooperation with pertinent health organizations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, stated that the organization was collaborating closely with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services, and other relevant parties to improve airport surveillance.
The statement claims that because officials are on high alert, travelers coming from nations deemed high-risk are currently going through more stringent screening processes.
In accordance with both national and international health safety norms, the agency clarified that travelers are being tested for Ebola symptoms and that any suspected case will be promptly isolated for additional investigation.
According to Agbebire, the actions were taken as part of an attempt to convince Nigerians and visitors from other countries that the nation’s airports are still secure in spite of the health issues arising from the Central African region.
In order to guarantee that officials can act quickly in the event of any health-related incident, he also revealed that the agency had strengthened emergency response procedures and increased sensitization among airport employees.
“FAAN wishes to reassure the traveling 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,” the statement said in part.
“In accordance with established national and international health protocols, passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, and any suspected case will be promptly isolated and subjected to secondary health checks.”
Additionally, FAAN advised travelers to maintain composure, assist medical personnel during screening processes, and report any symptoms or unusual medical conditions as soon as possible.
“FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations, even though there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria,” Agbebire said.
