Ebola: FG tightens border screening after protocol breaches

The Federal Government has ordered stricter Ebola screening at Nigeria’s entry points following reported breaches of approved protocols, amid concerns over an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory.

The directive requires relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to enforce screening procedures, strengthen surveillance and promptly report attempts to circumvent measures designed to prevent the disease from entering and spreading across the country.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare issued the directive in a circular dated October 22, 2026, following concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser over alleged non-compliance with Ebola entry protocols.

The circular, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollum, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, called for consistent and non-discriminatory enforcement of the measures.

It directed relevant agencies to ensure compliance with prescribed Ebola screening procedures, health declarations, surveillance requirements and other applicable entry protocols.

Ebola: Uganda steps up screening at airport as Nigeria heightens vigilance

The ministry also called for stronger coordination and information-sharing among agencies to improve early detection and enable a prompt response to potential public health threats.

Under the directive, agencies are required to document and report actual or attempted breaches through established channels and provide adequate support to personnel responsible for enforcing the protocols.

The ministry further stressed that officials assigned to the task must be allowed to carry out their duties professionally and without undue interference.

The order comes amid heightened public health concerns following reports of an imported Ebola case involving a woman who travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.

According to the information provided by health authorities, 44 contacts linked to the woman have been identified, while surveillance measures have been activated to prevent further transmission.

Nigeria has also intensified monitoring at airports and other designated points of entry to reduce the risk of additional imported cases.

The ministry said the latest directive was intended to address identified lapses and strengthen the implementation of measures aimed at preventing Ebola from entering and spreading within the country.

It ordered the immediate circulation of the advisory to relevant departments, units, field offices and personnel to ensure they understand their responsibilities.

All relevant MDAs were urged to treat the directive as a priority, promptly address shortcomings and maintain strict compliance with approved protocols.

The ministry said effective enforcement remained critical to protecting public health and national security.