The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to healthcare institutions and medical waste management operators following reports of Ebola outbreaks in parts of East Africa.

The agency's Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the directive is aimed at strengthening preparedness and ensuring strict compliance with infection prevention and medical waste management standards across Lagos State.

Gbadegesin emphasized that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria, noting that the advisory forms part of proactive efforts to safeguard public health.

According to him, effective management of medical waste remains a critical component of disease prevention and plays a key role in protecting healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers, and the wider public from potential health risks.

He stated that preparedness remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in a highly populated state such as Lagos.

The LAWMA boss urged hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and licensed medical waste operators to strengthen their infection prevention and control measures while strictly adhering to approved waste handling procedures.

He also advised healthcare facilities to reinforce hand hygiene practices, ensure the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain safe handling of medical samples, and uphold environmental sanitation and decontamination protocols.

Gbadegesin highlighted the importance of properly segregating infectious waste at the point of generation and ensuring that collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal processes comply with established regulatory standards.

He further called on waste handlers and transport personnel to consistently wear appropriate protective gear while carrying out their responsibilities.

According to the agency, LAWMA will continue to monitor compliance with waste management regulations and engage stakeholders across the healthcare and environmental sectors to sustain high standards of public health and environmental safety.

Gbadegesin reassured residents that Lagos State remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any potential public health threats through enhanced surveillance, preparedness initiatives, and rapid response mechanisms.

He added that ongoing training programmes, public awareness campaigns, and compliance enforcement activities will continue across healthcare and waste management sectors to strengthen the state's readiness against infectious disease outbreaks.