Following the spike of covid-19 infections in some countries of the world, the Nigerian government has barred travellers visiting Nigeria from India, Turkey and Brazil. Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 who is also the Secretary to the government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha gave the order in a statement on behalf of the federal government.
Mustapha said the order shall take effect from Tuesday, 4th May 2021, and shall be reviewed after a period of four weeks from the said date.
In the statement, he said, “Non-Nigerian passport holders and non-residents, who visited Brazil, India or Turkey within days preceding travel to Nigeria, shall be denied entry into Nigeria.
“This regulation, however, does not apply to passengers who transited through these countries.
The statement warned that “The following measures shall apply to airlines and passengers who fail to comply with I and II(a) above: airlines shall mandatorily pay a penalty of $3,500 for each defaulting passenger.
“Non-Nigerians will be denied entry and returned to the country of embarkation at a cost to the airline.
It further explained that “Nigerians and those with a permanent residence permit who visited Brazil, India or Turkey within 14 days preceding travel to Nigeria shall be made to undergo seven days of mandatory quarantine in a government-approved facility at the point-of-entry city and at a cost to the passenger.
“The following condition shall apply to such passengers: Within 24 hours of arrival shall take a COVID-19 PCR test.
“If positive, the passenger shall be admitted within a government-approved treatment centre, in line with national treatment protocols.
“If negative, the passenger shall continue to remain in quarantine and made to undergo a repeat PCR test on day 7 of their quarantine.” The statement added.
Passengers arriving in Nigeria from other destinations must isolate mandatory 7-days self-isolation at their final destination, the statement explained.
The statement insists that the said passengers, “They must carry out a COVID-19 PCR test on day 7 at selected laboratory and shall be monitored for compliance to isolation protocol by appropriate authorities.
“Passenger who provided false or misleading contact information will be liable to prosecution.
According to the statement, “Also, persons who wilfully disregard or refuse to comply with directions of Port-Health staff, security agencies or evade quarantine shall be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, it direct state governments that “State governments are required to ensure that all returning travellers from all countries are monitored to ensure adherence to the mandatory seven-day self-isolation period and the repeat COVID-19 PCR test on the seventh day after arrival.
The statement concluded that “We urge members of the public to adhere to all COVID-19 preventive measures in place including adherence to the national travel protocol, proper use of face mask, regular hand washing and physical distancing,”
