Don't fly Passengers with Ebola Symptoms, FAAN warns Airlines, says 'we are ready to check spread'

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in collaboration with relevant health and safety agencies, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening surveillance and preventive measures against the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) through the airports.

At a workshop on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Preventive Measures held at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, relevant health authorities and stakeholders reviewed current preparedness strategies, response mechanisms, and containment procedures aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing any possible outbreak in the country.

Speaking during the workshop, representatives of health and border control agencies emphasised that surveillance activities have been intensified, particularly at international airports, with special attention placed on passengers arriving from high-risk countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and neighboring regions affected by the disease.

The Port Health Services (PHS) disclosed that advanced screening and monitoring measures are currently in operation across points of entry. These include active temperature screening, health monitoring protocols, and the deployment of QR code scanners to facilitate efficient passenger health declaration and follow-up procedures.

Stakeholders at the workshop stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, aviation authorities, health institutions, and security agencies in ensuring rapid detection, reporting, and response to any suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease.

The Port Health Services (PHS) disclosed further that surveillance activities have been intensified at international airports, particularly for passengers arriving from high-risk countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and neighboring countries within affected regions.

As part of efforts to enhance passenger monitoring and contact tracing procedures, QR code scanners have been deployed at screening points to enable travelers complete required health information electronically. Temperature screening is also being conducted actively at airports to facilitate early detection of suspected cases.

Medical experts at the workshop highlighted common symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease, including fever, unexplained bleeding, weight loss, and related health complications. They explained that while no specific cure was identified during the session, early detection and supportive medical care remain essential in managing suspected cases.

Participants also stressed the importance of preventive measures such as regular hand washing, proper hygiene, avoidance of unnecessary physical contact, strengthened surveillance systems, and prompt identification and isolation of suspected cases.

Airline operators were further advised to avoid transporting individuals suspected of showing symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease in order to minimise the risk of cross-border transmission.

The workshop concluded with a renewed call for vigilance, sustained public awareness, and continuous cooperation among all aviation and health stakeholders to safeguard public health and ensure safe air travel across the country.

Credit FAAN PR

Service Delivery and National Security: NIMC drives Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure Ecosystem

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a robust and inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem aimed at strengthening governance, improving public service delivery, enhancing national security, and accelerating socio-economic development across the country.

NIMC DG/CEO, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, represented by the Head of Infrastructure Technology and Identity Databases (IT/IDD), Sulaiman Falade, at a digital conference themed "Building Africa's Digital Foundations Together" in Abuja, stated that NIMC is driving Nigeria's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) through strategic reforms, institutional collaboration, and the deployment of secure digital identity systems that support efficient service delivery for citizens and residents.

She emphasised that central to the DPI transformation is the National Identification Number (NIN), which has become a critical enabler for digital authentication, identity verification, and access to government and private sector services.

"In line with the Presidential Directive issued on April 5, 2024, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been mandated to ensure the effective use of the NIN in driving policies related to data capture, identity verification, and biometric authentication across all digital services. NIMC has put in place structures to ensure effective implementation," she added.

Coker-Odusote further reinforced the Federal Government’s vision of establishing a unified, secure, and interoperable digital identity ecosystem that supports transparency, accountability, and seamless access to services.

The DG further stated that as part of Nigeria’s broader DPI framework, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) continues to play a leading role in enabling digital governance and supporting national development objectives. Through the integration of digital identity systems and the deployment of the National Public Key Infrastructure (nPKI),

Nigeria is strengthening trust in digital transactions, protecting citizens’ data, and promoting secure onlineinteractions. She encourages stakeholders across the public and private sectors to continue supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and related initiatives designed to improve service delivery outcomes for all Nigerians.

She reiterates that NIMC, as the driver of the DPI, remains committed to leveraging technology, innovation, and secure digital systems to build a more connected, efficient, and resilient nation.

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Boost Protocol Services, Passenger Experience, FAAN charges Airline Operators

As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and improve service delivery, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, has met with members of the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The meeting which was a lively interactive session, provided all parties with the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual benefit.

Speaking during the engagement, Agbebire noted that the session was specifically aimed at fostering a stronger working relationship between the Departments of Protocol and Passages and airline operators.

He emphasised that FAAN, through the Directorate and in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remains the legally recognised authority responsible for protocol services at the airports. He further stressed the need for a one-on-one relationship with airlines to ensure seamless coordination and the efficient provision of special protocol services.

Agbebire appealed to airline operators to accord FAAN Protocol priority attention and fast-track processes at check-in counters whenever protocol arrangements are involved. He also assured stakeholders that FAAN remains open to discussions aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer experience.

During the interactive session, airline representatives raised a number of operational concerns, including inadequate signage, malfunctioning or insufficient lifts, staff bus challenges, and poor airport markings. They also sought greater support to improve customer experience.

Responding, the FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection assured stakeholders that all complaints and observations raised during the meeting would be carefully reviewed with a view to improving service delivery and operational standards across the airports.

Credit FAAN PR