Lagos issues Ebola alert, directs hotels, nightclubs to tighten safety measures
Lagos State Safety Commission Issues Health Advisory Amid Ebola Concerns
LAGOS — The Lagos State Safety Commission has urged operators of hotels, nightclubs, event centers, lounges, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses to enhance health and safety measures following recent global alerts regarding Ebola outbreaks in Central and East Africa.
This advisory comes as biosecurity screening at Murtala Muhammed International Airport has been intensified, although no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease have been reported in Lagos or anywhere else in Nigeria.
In a statement released Tuesday, Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, emphasized that the precautionary measures are essential given Lagos’ role as a significant international gateway and commercial hub.
The Commission’s advisory follows recent global health notifications about Ebola outbreaks and the Federal Government’s decision to bolster health surveillance and screening practices at the country’s busiest airport.
“The Commission strongly emphasizes that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola within Lagos State or Nigeria; however, the city’s status necessitates immediate, proactive measures to safeguard both residents and visitors,” Mojola stated.
Mojola highlighted the responsibility of facilities accommodating large gatherings to lead in implementing preventive measures to minimize potential public health risks. He directed hospitality operators to immediately install hand hygiene stations with running water and soap or alcohol-based sanitizers at entrances and other strategic locations.
The Commission also called for enhanced cleaning and disinfection routines, especially on frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, countertops, payment terminals, and menus, using approved hospital-grade disinfectants.
Management teams are advised to train staff to recognize early symptoms of illness, conduct regular health checks, and ensure that any employee showing signs of fever or illness is instructed to stay home.
Additionally, hospitality operators are encouraged to establish temporary isolation areas where guests or staff displaying severe illness can be kept safely until medical attention is available.
Operators should also manage crowd density and maintain adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces to mitigate health risks.
Mojola has urged operators to remain vigilant and cooperative, noting that safety officials will increase monitoring and compliance checks across the state. He emphasized the importance of immediate isolation and reporting of any suspected cases of severe fever or illness via designated health hotlines.
For any medical emergency involving severe fever or illness, operators are instructed to report to Lagos State health hotlines at 08023169485, 08033565529, or 07000SAFETY.
