The Federal Government has ordered strict enforcement of approved Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) entry protocols at all designated points of entry into Nigeria following reports of non-compliance, warning that lapses could undermine efforts to prevent cross-border transmission and protect public health.
The directive requires ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), health institutions and other relevant stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to screening procedures, health declarations, surveillance measures and other approved entry requirements.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare disclosed this in a circular dated October 22, 2026, signed by its Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollum S. mni, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate. The statement was signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.
The circular, with reference number PS/FMOH/08/VIII/48, followed concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over reported violations of the Federal Government-approved Ebola entry protocols.
The ministry stressed the need for consistent, effective and non-discriminatory enforcement of the measures, noting that compliance was essential to mitigating potential cross-border transmission and safeguarding national security.
It directed relevant institutions to strengthen coordination, communication and information-sharing to improve disease surveillance, facilitate early detection and ensure prompt responses to potential public health threats.
The ministry also instructed all concerned institutions to promptly document and report any actual or attempted breach of the approved protocols through established channels.
It called on relevant authorities to provide the necessary support to officials responsible for enforcement and establish effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure sustained compliance.
The ministry further emphasised that personnel assigned to enforce the protocols must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities professionally without undue interference.
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To ensure widespread awareness, the ministry directed the immediate circulation of the public advisory to relevant departments, units, field offices and personnel across the affected institutions.
It urged all concerned MDAs to accord the directive the highest priority, promptly address identified lapses and sustain compliance with the approved Ebola entry protocols in the collective interest of public health and national safety.
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