EBOLA: Screening breaches at Nigeria’s borders…

The Federal Government has ordered stricter enforcement of Ebola screening protocols at Nigeria’s borders and other entry points following concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) over reported violations.

According to Saturday PUNCH, the directive followed reports of non-compliance with approved screening procedures amid heightened concerns over an imported Ebola case confirmed in Abuja.

The instruction was contained in an October 22 circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollum, on behalf of Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate.

The circular directed security agencies, health institutions and other relevant authorities to strictly enforce screening procedures, health declarations, surveillance requirements and other approved 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 circular stated.

Authorities were also instructed to document and report actual or attempted breaches through established channels.

The ministry demanded improved coordination, communication and intelligence-sharing among relevant agencies to strengthen early detection and ensure prompt responses to potential health threats.

It further directed institutions to establish monitoring and accountability mechanisms, support enforcement personnel and prevent interference with officials implementing the protocols.

However, the circular did not disclose the number of screening violations recorded, the affected entry points or the nature of the reported breaches.

The warning followed confirmation that a woman who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola after receiving treatment at a private hospital in Abuja.

Health authorities subsequently isolated the patient and commenced contact tracing involving 44 identified individuals.

The development has renewed concerns about Nigeria’s ability to prevent imported infections from spreading through international travel.

The ministry directed agencies to circulate the advisory immediately to their departments, operational units and field offices.

Officials stressed that consistent screening, effective surveillance and cooperation between border authorities remain essential to preventing further transmission of the disease across Nigeria’s entry points and surrounding communities.