Nigeria's Health Minister Announces N45.8bn Airport Surveillance System

The Federal Executive Council, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, approved a N45.8 billion initiative to establish a disease surveillance system at five international airports in Nigeria. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, stated that the project aims to strengthen the country's health security in light of vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative, informed by Nigeria's recent response to Ebola, will be implemented through a 20-year public-private partnership with BioHealth Consortium. The surveillance system will be deployed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

Pate emphasized the importance of effective surveillance, noting that over 18 million passengers use these airports annually. The project will include wastewater surveillance, air and surface sampling, and modern laboratories for rapid diagnostics, integrated with various health and regulatory agencies.

The assets will revert to the Federal Government after the concession period.