The Federal Government has directed ministries, departments, agencies and health institutions to ensure strict compliance with approved Ebola Virus Disease entry protocols at all designated points of entry into Nigeria.
The directive follows concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser over reported breaches of the approved protocols.
In a circular by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare called for consistent and non-discriminatory enforcement of the measures to prevent cross-border transmission and protect public health and national security.
The circular, by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, requires relevant institutions to enforce screening procedures, health declarations, surveillance measures and other approved entry requirements.
The government also directed stronger coordination and information-sharing among relevant agencies to improve surveillance, facilitate early detection and ensure prompt responses to potential public health threats.
To strengthen accountability, institutions have been instructed to document and report actual or attempted breaches of the protocols through established channels and provide necessary support to enforcement officials.
The ministry further stressed that personnel responsible for enforcing the measures must be allowed to perform their duties professionally without undue interference.
It urged all relevant institutions to give the directive the highest priority, emphasising that effective implementation, inter-agency coordination and accountability are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness against cross-border health threats and safeguarding the population.
