Nigeria Boosts Ebola Surveillance at International Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria activated additional health surveillance and screening measures at all international airports on May 20, 2026 [1, 2].

These precautions aim to prevent the importation of Ebola virus into the country. By enhancing screening at primary points of entry, the government seeks to mitigate the risk of a domestic outbreak following recent health crises in other African nations [1, 3].

FAAN officials said the measures include enhanced Ebola surveillance to identify potential cases among arriving travelers [1, 2]. The agency said these steps are precautionary and intended to strengthen national health security [1, 3].

The decision follows reported Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda [1, 3]. These regional outbreaks have prompted Nigerian authorities to heighten vigilance to ensure the virus does not cross borders through air travel [1, 3].

Despite the increased surveillance, officials said no Ebola cases have been detected within Nigeria [2, 3]. The government is utilizing this period to boost national preparedness and ensure that health protocols are robust enough to handle potential threats ^[3].

Mr. Pate said, "The government had activated precautionary measures following recent Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to strengthen national health security" ^[3].

The surveillance measures are now active across the country's international gateways. FAAN said the agency is working to assure travelers that while screenings are enhanced, the current risk level remains low due to the absence of domestic cases ^[2].