The FG airport biosecurity system has received approval for ₦45.08 billion. The Federal Government plans to use the project to detect Ebola and other dangerous infectious diseases at Nigeria’s international airports.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the project on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Following the meeting, Health Minister Professor Muhammad Ali Pate announced the decision in Abuja.
The initiative aims to strengthen disease surveillance across the country. It will also help health authorities identify potential threats before they spread. To achieve this, the government plans to establish advanced monitoring facilities through a 20-year public-private partnership with BioHealth Consortium.
FG Airport Biosecurity System to Cover Five Airports
The new airport biosecurity system will cover five international airports. They include Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The other locations are Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.
According to Pate, more than 18 million passengers travel through Nigeria’s airports annually. Therefore, stronger surveillance could help protect public health. It could also reduce the economic risks associated with disease outbreaks.
The project will introduce several technologies to identify dangerous pathogens. For instance, the system will monitor aircraft wastewater and collect air and surface samples. It will also use specialised equipment to screen cargo and baggage.
In addition, the facilities will include portable laboratory equipment for rapid testing. A National Surveillance Operations Centre will also coordinate real-time monitoring. It will analyse information and support responses to suspected outbreaks.
Private Partner to Manage Project for 20 Years
BioHealth Consortium will manage the project under a 20-year concession. The company will finance, design and build the facilities. It will also deploy, operate and maintain the equipment.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government will provide policy direction and regulatory oversight. At the end of the agreement, ownership of the facilities will return to the government. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission reviewed the concession arrangement.
Several agencies will support the initiative. They include the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and Port Health Services. The Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and NAFDAC will also participate.
Through this collaboration, the agencies aim to improve information-sharing and coordinate responses to health threats.
The approval comes amid increased attention to Ebola preparedness. However, the new facilities are not necessarily operational yet. The government has not announced a detailed implementation timetable.
Once implemented, the system should improve early disease detection. It could also help Nigeria respond faster to emerging public health threats.
