Ebola: FG orders tighter screening at Nigeria’s entry points as ONSA raises concerns

The Federal Government has directed relevant agencies and health institutions to strictly enforce approved Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, entry protocols at all designated points of entry into Nigeria.

Mr Ado Bako, the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Bako said the directive followed concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, over reported non-compliance with the approved protocols.

According to him, the directive was contained in circular PS/FMOH/08/VIII/48, dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Daju Kachollum.

The circular was signed on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate.

The ministry stressed the need for consistent, effective and non-discriminatory enforcement of the measures to minimise potential cross-border transmission and protect public health and national security.

It directed relevant institutions to ensure strict compliance with prescribed screening, health declaration, surveillance and other applicable entry requirements.

The circular also called for stronger coordination, communication and information-sharing among stakeholders to support effective surveillance, early detection and prompt responses to potential public health threats.

The ministry urged all concerned institutions to promptly document and report any actual or attempted breach of the approved protocols through established channels.

It further directed them to support enforcement officials and establish effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms to sustain compliance.

The ministry stressed that personnel responsible for enforcing the protocols should be allowed to discharge their duties professionally and without undue interference.