FG Approves N45.08bn Biosecurity Project for Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Other Airports

According to Punch Newspapers on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Federal Government has approved N45.08 billion for a new biosecurity and disease surveillance system at five international airports across Nigeria. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to detect and prevent the spread of dangerous infectious diseases.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the approval while briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

The project will cover the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, Port Harcourt International Airport and Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

According to the minister, the project will be implemented through a 20-year public-private partnership with the Biohealth Consortium. The arrangement will allow the private partner to finance, build, operate and maintain the facilities during the concession period, while the Federal Government provides policy support and regulatory supervision.

Pate explained that Nigeria receives more than 18 million passengers through its airports every year, making effective disease monitoring essential for protecting public health.

He said the new system would use modern technology to identify dangerous pathogens that could enter the country through international travel and cargo. The planned measures include aircraft wastewater surveillance, air and surface sampling, as well as specialised equipment for monitoring baggage and cargo.

The project will also establish a national surveillance operations centre to coordinate information, monitor potential health threats and support a rapid response when an infectious disease is detected. Portable laboratory facilities will also help health officials carry out diagnostic tests at points of entry.

Several government agencies, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, are expected to participate in the initiative.

The approval comes amid renewed concerns about infectious diseases and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness following the country’s recent Ebola case. Pate said the system would not focus on Ebola alone but would help detect a wider range of pathogens that could pose serious public health risks.

He added that improved surveillance would protect not only the health of Nigerians but also the economy, as disease outbreaks can disrupt travel, trade and other business activities.

At the end of the 20-year concession period, ownership of the project assets will return to the Federal Government under the terms of the agreement.

The initiative represents a major investment in Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, with the government seeking to improve early detection, strengthen coordination among agencies and prevent future disease outbreaks.

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