*Orders strict screening at airports, other entry points
*Directs MDAs to report violations, warns against interference with officials
The Federal Government has ordered strict enforcement of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) screening and entry protocols across Nigeria’s designated points of entry following reports of non-compliance with approved measures.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which gave the directive, warned that failure to enforce the protocols could expose the country to potential cross-border transmission of the disease and threaten public health and national security.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 22, 2026, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollum, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
The ministry said the decision followed concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over reported violations of the Federal Government-approved Ebola entry protocols.
It called on all relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), health institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that the measures were enforced consistently, effectively and without discrimination.
Under the directive, relevant institutions are expected to ensure strict compliance with prescribed screening procedures, health declarations, surveillance measures and other applicable entry requirements.
The ministry also directed agencies involved in the exercise to strengthen coordination, communication and information-sharing to improve disease surveillance, detect potential threats early and facilitate prompt responses.
It further ordered all concerned institutions to document and report any actual or attempted breach of the protocols through established channels.
The ministry stressed that officials responsible for enforcing the measures must be adequately supported and allowed to perform their duties professionally without undue interference.
It also called for effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure sustained compliance and address identified lapses.
The circular directed the immediate circulation of the advisory to relevant departments, operational units, field offices and personnel to ensure that everyone involved understands their responsibilities.
All concerned MDAs were urged to treat the directive as a matter of priority and take immediate steps to correct any shortcomings in the implementation of the protocols.
The ministry said consistent enforcement of the measures was necessary to protect Nigerians and strengthen the country’s preparedness against potential public health threats.
