Abuja, October 23, 2026 – The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called on all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), health institutions and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with approved Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) entry protocols at all designated points of entry into Nigeria.
The call was contained in a circular, PS/FMOH/08/VIII/48, dated 22nd October 2026 signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollum S. mni, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
The call follows concerns communicated to the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) regarding reported non-compliance with the Federal Government-approved EVD entry protocols. The Ministry emphasised the need for consistent, effective and non-discriminatory enforcement of the approved measures to mitigate potential cross-border transmission and protect public health and national security.
The Ministry has directed relevant institutions to ensure strict adherence to prescribed EVD screening, health declaration, surveillance and other applicable entry requirements. It also called for strengthened coordination, communication and information-sharing among relevant stakeholders to facilitate effective surveillance, early detection and prompt response to potential public health threats.
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. The Ministry stressed that personnel charged with enforcing the protocols should be allowed to discharge their responsibilities professionally and without undue interference.
The Ministry has further directed the immediate and widespread dissemination of the public advisory to relevant departments, units, field offices and personnel to ensure awareness of their responsibilities. 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.
Signed:
Ado Bako
Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations
