By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Federal Government has directed relevant ministries, agencies, health institutions and other stakeholders 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 violations of the approved protocols, prompting the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to demand stricter compliance to prevent cross-border transmission and protect public health.
The ministry disclosed this in a press release issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.
According to the statement, the directive was conveyed through Circular No. PS/FMOH/08/VIII/48, dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom S. mni, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
Under the directive, relevant institutions are required to ensure strict adherence to prescribed screening procedures, health declaration requirements, surveillance measures and other applicable entry protocols.
The ministry also called for stronger coordination, communication and information-sharing among responsible agencies to enhance surveillance, facilitate early detection and ensure prompt responses to potential public health threats.
To strengthen accountability, the government directed concerned institutions to promptly document and report actual or attempted breaches of the approved protocols through established channels.
They are also required to provide necessary support to enforcement officials and establish effective monitoring mechanisms to identify and address compliance gaps.
The ministry further warned against interference with personnel responsible for enforcing the protocols, stressing that they must be allowed to discharge their duties professionally and without undue interference.
It directed the immediate and widespread circulation of the directive to relevant departments, units, field offices and personnel to ensure that all concerned institutions understand their responsibilities and take prompt action to address identified lapses.
The ministry urged all relevant institutions to accord the directive the highest priority, emphasising that effective implementation, inter-agency cooperation and accountability were essential to strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness against cross-border health threats.
It added that sustained compliance with the approved EVD entry protocols remained critical to safeguarding the health and safety of Nigerians.
