Korede Abdullah 
Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State warns that Nigeria is increasingly vulnerable to dangerous infectious diseases and requires stronger preparedness against high-risk pathogens, including the hypothetical “Pathogen X”.
The alert comes as global health systems confront rising biological threats.
Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, speaking at the National Council on Health meeting on Friday, says the country faces “a rapidly evolving biological risk landscape,” noting that Lagos handles 70 per cent of international arrivals and remains the primary entry point for emerging pathogens.
“COVID-19 was only a mild example of a Pathogen X scenario,” he cautions, calling for urgent national readiness.
To strengthen defence systems, the state has launched Operation Lagos Biological Shield, which integrates strict surveillance at all entry points, real-time monitoring of travellers, and immediate contact tracing through collaboration with immigration authorities.
Abayomi explains that the measures are essential as the city prepares for its peak travel season, popularly known as “Detty December”. He also warns that Lagos’ busy livestock inflow poses ongoing risks of zoonotic transmission.
He recalls the state’s successful management of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which laid the foundation for its current biosecurity infrastructure, including a biosafety level-3 laboratory and upgraded isolation centres.
Calling for coordinated national investment in surveillance, he adds: “Biosecurity is everybody’s business — a very serious business.”
About the Author
Juliet Jacob 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
