On Saturday, I led a high-level preparedness assessment visit to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the State’s readiness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.
The visit brought together key stakeholders including Port Health Services, airport authorities, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Border Health Services, epidemiologists, public health experts, and other partners responsible for safeguarding our points of entry.
Our discussions focused on ensuring that Lagos remains fully prepared to prevent, detect, and respond rapidly to any suspected case entering through our international gateways.
Key areas reviewed included:
• Passenger screening and surveillance systems at points of entry.
• Early warning and notification mechanisms between airlines, Port Health Services, airport authorities, and the Lagos State Government.
• Isolation and case management procedures for suspected cases.
• Contact tracing and passenger monitoring systems.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Risk communication and public awareness activities.
• Emergency response coordination among federal, state, and airport stakeholders.
• Capacity building and continuous training of frontline personnel.
We received updates on ongoing preparedness activities, including the activation of emergency response structures, enhanced surveillance measures, stakeholder sensitisation, public awareness campaigns, and the strengthening of screening processes for travellers arriving from countries of concern.
Particular attention was given to the procedures for managing symptomatic passengers during flights and upon arrival, including advance notification by airlines, rapid response protocols, designated screening areas, isolation arrangements, and safe referral pathways.
We also reviewed infrastructure and operational readiness at the airport, including the deployment of additional screening equipment, contactless sanitisation facilities, and emergency response resources.
One of the major outcomes of the visit was the reaffirmation of strong collaboration between Lagos State, Federal Government agencies, Port Health Services, aviation authorities, airport operators, and development partners. We agreed on the need for continuous information sharing, harmonised standard operating procedures, regular simulation exercises, and sustained preparedness efforts.
Next Steps:
✓ Strengthen surveillance and screening activities at MMIA and other points of entry.
✓ Continue training and capacity building for frontline personnel.
✓ Enhance interagency coordination and information sharing.
✓ Ensure readiness of isolation, referral, and emergency response systems.
✓ Intensify public health communication and traveller awareness activities.
✓ Conduct ongoing preparedness assessments and simulation exercises.
Lagos has successfully confronted major public health threats in the past, including Ebola and COVID-19. The lessons learned from those experiences continue to guide our preparedness efforts today.
I commend all agencies and stakeholders for their commitment, professionalism, and vigilance. While there is currently no cause for panic, there is every reason for preparedness.
The health and safety of Lagosians remain our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our people and maintain Lagos as a safe, resilient, and globally connected city.
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