The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide preventive health campaign tagged “Operation BioShield” to strengthen surveillance and prevent the possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into Nigeria, as renewed outbreaks are reported in parts of Central and East Africa.
According to the Ministry of Health, the initiative is a proactive response aimed at enhancing public awareness, border screening, and rapid detection systems, especially at key entry points such as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Authorities stressed that the campaign is not a reaction to any confirmed outbreak within the state.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria, reassuring residents that there is currently no cause for panic. He explained that the government is acting based on risk assessments following confirmed Ebola cases in neighboring regions of Africa.
Health officials noted that Lagos remains highly vulnerable due to its status as Nigeria’s busiest international gateway and high volume of passenger traffic. As part of the response, surveillance systems, emergency isolation units, and passenger monitoring protocols have been reinforced to detect and manage any suspected cases quickly.
The government also said it is working closely with federal health agencies and international partners to ensure preparedness, early warning, and effective communication with the public. Residents have been urged to maintain basic hygiene practices and report symptoms such as unexplained fever or bleeding immediately to health authorities.
Officials have emphasized that prevention, early detection, and rapid isolation remains the strongest tools against the disease, adding that Lagos will continue to intensify monitoring until regional outbreaks are fully contained.
