The FG airport biosecurity system has received approval for a ₦45.08 billion investment to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to detect and respond to dangerous infectious diseases. The project will introduce advanced surveillance technologies at five international airports, including systems designed to identify Ebola and other harmful pathogens.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the project on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during its meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Following the meeting, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, explained that the initiative would improve health security and help protect the country against emerging disease threats.
According to the minister, the project will operate through a 20-year public-private partnership with BioHealth Consortium. The arrangement will combine private-sector investment and technical expertise with government oversight to strengthen surveillance at Nigeria’s major international entry points.
FG Airport Biosecurity System to Cover Five International Airports
The FG airport biosecurity system will serve five international airports selected to strengthen disease monitoring across different parts of the country. These include Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
The remaining locations are Port Harcourt International Airport and Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. Together, these airports serve substantial passenger traffic and provide important entry points for international travellers.
Pate said more than 18 million passengers pass through Nigeria’s airports annually. Therefore, improving surveillance at these locations could help health authorities identify potential threats earlier and respond before infections spread more widely.
The proposed infrastructure will use several technologies to detect dangerous pathogens. For example, aircraft wastewater surveillance will help authorities monitor biological threats associated with arriving flights. Air and surface sampling equipment will also support the identification of potential contaminants.
In addition, specialised systems will monitor cargo and baggage for possible biological threats. The project will also provide portable laboratory facilities to support rapid diagnostic testing at points of entry. These tools are intended to strengthen detection beyond existing screening procedures.
National Surveillance Centre to Coordinate Disease Monitoring
Another major component of the FG airport biosecurity system is a National Surveillance Operations Centre. The facility will coordinate real-time monitoring, integrate information from different sources and track reported incidents.
It will also help relevant agencies share information and coordinate responses to suspected outbreaks. As a result, health officials should have better access to information when assessing potential threats and deciding what action to take.
The initiative will involve several government agencies, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control will also participate.
Through this collaboration, the government aims to improve coordination between health professionals and agencies responsible for border management. Furthermore, the system is expected to support evidence-based decisions and strengthen compliance with international health regulations.
BioHealth Consortium to Manage the Project for 20 Years
Under the concession agreement, BioHealth Consortium will design, finance, build, deploy, operate and maintain the facilities throughout the 20-year period. Meanwhile, the Federal Government will provide policy direction, institutional support and regulatory oversight.
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission reviewed and endorsed the arrangement. At the end of the concession, ownership of the facilities will return to the Federal Government in line with the agreement.
The approval follows lessons from Nigeria’s response to recent infectious disease threats, particularly the Ebola concern that has increased attention on surveillance at international entry points. However, the new project will not focus on Ebola alone. Instead, it is designed to detect a wider range of dangerous pathogens that could threaten public health.
Although the council has approved the investment, the approval does not mean that all five facilities are already operational. The implementation process will determine when the new infrastructure becomes available.
Once deployed, the system is expected to strengthen early detection, improve cooperation among government agencies and help Nigeria respond more effectively to emerging infectious disease threats. Ultimately, the project aims to protect public health while reducing the wider economic risks associated with disease outbreaks.
