FAAN Intensifies Airport Health Surveillance Following Confirmed Ebola Case in FCT
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified health surveillance across the country’s airports following a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), assuring passengers and other airport users of its commitment to safeguarding public health.
The authority said it was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies to support ongoing efforts to contain the disease.
In a press statement dated 20 October 2026, FAAN said it was aware of the confirmed case in the FCT and was maintaining heightened vigilance across airport operations as part of measures to protect passengers, airport personnel and the wider public.
The authority noted that the early identification of the case and the commencement of contact tracing underscored the importance of established public health protocols, effective disease surveillance and collaboration among relevant agencies in responding to potential health threats.
It said it would continue to coordinate with public health authorities and align its response with further guidance, including supporting additional measures considered necessary to prevent the spread of the disease through the country’s aviation system.
FAAN’s response comes amid the need for vigilance across the aviation sector, where the movement of passengers between cities and countries makes effective health monitoring and cooperation among relevant agencies essential during public health emergencies.
The authority stressed that it was prepared to work with the relevant agencies to support the safe operation of Nigeria’s airports while ensuring that appropriate public health measures were maintained.
FAAN also urged passengers, airport users, airlines and other aviation stakeholders to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with health officials, warning against the spread of unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.
It advised members of the public to rely on verified information from relevant authorities and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports about the Ebola case.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to working with public health agencies to protect travellers and airport workers, adding that it would continue to support measures required to safeguard public health and maintain safe airport operations.
The statement was signed by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN.
Ebola Virus Disease is a serious illness that requires prompt identification, appropriate infection prevention and control measures, and coordinated public health intervention to limit transmission.
While FAAN did not provide details of additional airport-specific screening measures in the statement, it said it would continue to follow guidance from public health authorities and support further interventions considered necessary.
The authority’s position highlights the importance of coordination between aviation regulators, airport operators and public health agencies in responding to potential disease outbreaks, particularly where the movement of passengers requires vigilance and timely communication.
FAAN reassured the travelling public that it remained committed to protecting public health and supporting the safe and efficient operation of Nigeria’s airports.
