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The Federal Government has directed relevant agencies and health institutions to strictly enforce approved Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) entry protocols at all designated points of entry into Nigeria.
The directive followed concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over reported cases of non-compliance with the established protocols.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja by its Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
Bako said the directive was contained in a circular dated October 22, 2026, with reference number PS/FMOH/08/VIII/48, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollum, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.
The ministry stressed that strict adherence to the measures was necessary to minimise the risk of cross-border transmission, strengthen public health protection and safeguard national security.
Agencies directed to enforce screening measures
According to the ministry, all relevant institutions have been directed to ensure full compliance with prescribed screening procedures, health declarations, surveillance requirements and other applicable entry protocols.
The measures are intended to ensure that travellers entering the country are subjected to the required checks and that potential public health threats are identified promptly.
The ministry emphasised the need for consistent, effective and non-discriminatory enforcement of the protocols at all designated entry points.
It also urged relevant agencies and health institutions to address any lapses that could undermine the implementation of the approved measures.
FG seeks stronger coordination and surveillance
The circular called for improved coordination, communication and information-sharing among agencies and other stakeholders responsible for implementing the protocols.
The ministry said stronger collaboration would support effective disease surveillance, early detection and prompt responses to potential public health threats.
It also directed the relevant institutions to ensure that any actual or attempted breach of the approved entry requirements was promptly documented and reported through established channels.
The directive further required agencies to support enforcement officials and establish effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure sustained compliance.
These measures, according to the ministry, are intended to strengthen oversight and ensure that institutions responsible for implementing the protocols discharge their duties effectively.
Officials warned against interference
The ministry also stressed that personnel assigned to enforce the entry protocols must be allowed to perform their duties professionally and without undue interference.
The directive underscored the importance of enabling enforcement officials to carry out the prescribed checks and procedures without obstruction.
It further ordered the immediate and widespread circulation of the advisory to relevant departments, units, field offices and personnel to ensure that all concerned officers were aware of their responsibilities.
The ministry said all ministries, departments and agencies concerned must accord the directive the highest priority and take prompt action to address identified lapses.
It added that sustained compliance with the approved protocols was essential to protecting public health and national safety.
The directive places renewed emphasis on border health surveillance and inter-agency cooperation as part of Nigeria’s efforts to guard against potential infectious disease threats. However, the ministry’s statement did not provide details of the specific breaches reported by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
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