LAGOS, June 5, 2026 — The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to healthcare facilities and medical waste handlers in response to recent Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of East Africa.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement released on Friday in Lagos, noting that the directive is aimed at strengthening readiness and ensuring strict adherence to infection prevention and medical waste management standards.
He emphasized that no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease has been recorded in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria, stressing that the advisory is purely preventive.
According to him, the move is part of ongoing efforts to reinforce public health safeguards and prevent any potential outbreak.
Gbadegesin noted that proper medical waste management remains critical to controlling the spread of infectious diseases and protecting healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers, and the general public.
He reiterated that even in the absence of confirmed cases, preparedness is a key strategy in disease prevention and control.
He urged hospitals, clinics, and licensed waste operators to intensify infection prevention and control practices, including strict compliance with approved waste management procedures.
The LAWMA boss called for improved hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of medical specimens, alongside thorough environmental decontamination.
He also stressed the importance of proper segregation of infectious waste at the point of generation to reduce contamination risks.
Waste handlers and transporters were advised to adhere strictly to approved collection, transportation, and disposal guidelines, while consistently using protective gear during operations.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA would continue to monitor compliance levels and engage relevant stakeholders to maintain high operational standards across the state.
He further encouraged health institutions to regularly review their infection prevention protocols and remain alert to potential health risks.
He added that any suspected public health threats should be promptly reported through designated official channels.
Gbadegesin assured residents that Lagos remains on heightened surveillance and preparedness to respond swiftly to any public health emergency.
He said ongoing training, sensitisation, and compliance enforcement efforts would continue across health and environmental sectors in the state.