The Federal Government has raised the alarm over reported breaches of approved Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) entry protocols and directed relevant agencies to enforce screening and surveillance measures at Nigeria’s points of entry.
The directive followed concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over reported non-compliance with the protocols, according to a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, the circular called for strict and non-discriminatory enforcement of the approved measures.
The ministry said compliance was necessary to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus and protect public health and national security.
It directed relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), health institutions and other bodies to comply with prescribed Ebola screening, health declaration, surveillance and other applicable entry requirements.
“All concerned MDAs are expected to accord the directive the highest priority, address identified lapses promptly and sustain compliance with the approved EVD entry protocols in the collective interest of public health and national safety,” the ministry said.
The circular also called for better coordination and information-sharing among relevant institutions to strengthen surveillance, facilitate early detection and ensure prompt responses to potential public health threats.
It directed concerned institutions to document and report actual or attempted breaches through established channels, provide adequate support to enforcement officials and establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
The ministry also warned against interference with enforcement personnel, stressing that officials must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities professionally.
“Furthermore, all concerned institutions have been urged to promptly document and report any actual or attempted breach of the approved protocols through established channels, provide the necessary support to officials responsible for enforcement, and establish effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms to sustain compliance,” it stated.
The circular directed the immediate circulation of the advisory to relevant departments, field offices and personnel, with instructions to address identified lapses promptly.
The directive comes amid heightened concern over Ebola preparedness following the Federal Government’s announcement on October 20 that a woman in Abuja had tested positive for the virus.
The ministry said the woman arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda and that 44 contacts had been identified for tracing and monitoring.
It also said surveillance had been intensified, adding that the woman was recovering in isolation while efforts continued to trace and monitor those who had contact with her.
