The Federal Government has ordered ministries, agencies and health institutions to report any actual or attempted breach of Ebola screening protocols at Nigeria’s entry points, following concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over alleged non-compliance.
The directive requires strict enforcement of approved entry procedures, with relevant institutions expected to document violations and report them promptly through established channels.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare issued the order in a circular dated October 22, 2026, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollum, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
The ministry said the directive was intended to prevent cross-border transmission of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and protect public health and national security.
The intervention followed concerns communicated by ONSA over reported breaches of the government-approved Ebola entry protocols, prompting the ministry to demand stronger enforcement and accountability.
Under the directive, relevant agencies are to ensure that screening procedures, health declarations, surveillance measures and other prescribed entry requirements are observed at all designated points of entry into the country.
The ministry also called for improved coordination and information-sharing among agencies responsible for border health surveillance to support early detection and rapid response to suspected cases.
It warned that failure to enforce the protocols consistently could weaken the country’s capacity to detect and contain potential public health threats.
Beyond screening, the government directed relevant institutions to provide adequate operational support to personnel responsible for enforcing the measures and establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure sustained compliance.
The circular also cautioned against interference with enforcement personnel, insisting that officials must be allowed to perform their duties professionally.
To ensure the directive reaches those responsible for implementation, the ministry ordered its immediate and wide circulation to relevant departments, operational units, field offices and personnel.
All concerned ministries, departments and agencies were directed to treat the matter as a priority and address identified lapses without delay.
The government said strict adherence to the protocols was necessary to strengthen disease surveillance and protect Nigerians against potential health threats entering through the country’s borders.
