The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has stepped up surveillance across the country’s airports following the reported confirmation of Nigeria’s first Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The agency said it is working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant bodies to support containment efforts.
FAAN stressed that early detection, contact tracing and cooperation among health agencies remain essential in responding to potential public health threats.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the agency said it would maintain heightened vigilance across airport operations.
FAAN added that it would continue to coordinate with public health authorities and implement additional measures based on official guidance.
Ebola Airport Surveillance Intensified
The agency urged passengers, airlines, airport users and other stakeholders to remain calm and cooperate with health officials.
It also advised the public to rely on verified information and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports about the outbreak.
FAAN reassured travellers that it remained committed to protecting passengers, airport workers and the wider public while ensuring the safe operation of Nigeria’s airports.
The Federal Government announced the Ebola case on Wednesday. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Pate disclosed the development during a media briefing in Abuja.
According to Pate, laboratory tests confirmed the infection in a woman who had recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.
He said she returned to Nigeria with symptoms on October 7, which reportedly worsened four days later before testing confirmed the disease.
Uganda Questions Claims About Infection Source
Uganda’s Ministry of Health, however, denied reports of an Ebola outbreak in the country.
The ministry said the location where the Nigerian patient was exposed to the virus remained under investigation. It also stressed that travelling through Uganda alone did not establish where the infection occurred.
Ugandan officials said they had not received detailed information about the patient’s travel itinerary and clinical history from Nigeria. They noted that these details would help guide further investigations and contact tracing.
Ebola Outbreak Raises Regional Concerns
The reported case comes amid an Ebola outbreak involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries.
According to the report, Kenya recorded its ninth Ebola case on Tuesday. Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Director-General Jean Kaseya also described the Bundibugyo strain outbreak as the most geographically widespread in history.
The DRC has faced a severe outbreak, with health authorities reporting thousands of confirmed cases and deaths.
As investigations continue, FAAN’s heightened surveillance is intended to support efforts to identify potential risks and protect people travelling through Nigerian airports.
Authorities have urged the public to follow official health guidance while investigations into the reported Nigerian case and its possible source continue.
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