The United Kingdom (UK) stated that it was working closely with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to validate Nigeria’s COVID-19 vaccine certificate as acceptable proof for travel to the UK. This was disclosed in a statement by United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Catriona Laing.
The statement reads, “We understand that there has been some frustration that the new UK travel rules will continue to require people traveling to the UK from Nigeria to quarantine, despite having received two doses of recognized COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria.
“Following a pilot with the United States of America and the European Union, the UK is working to recognize vaccine certificates from other countries as part of a phased review of the many COVID-19 vaccine certificates issued across the world.
“This includes recognizing Nigeria’s vaccine certificate and-in the spirit of our long-term partnership-we are working with Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to ensure that this happens as soon as possible.”
The updated UK travel advisory states that from October 4, travelers from Nigeria are required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test, at least three days prior to travel. Furthermore, passengers arriving from Nigeria also have to complete a passenger locator form, and also book and pay for day two and eight COVID-19 tests, which would be conducted after arrival.
Travelers are also advised to quarantine/self-isolate for 10 days at home or in the place they are staying.
Laing also said, “I would like to emphasize that any statements that COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nigeria are not approved by the UK are completely untrue.
“The UK recognizes Oxford-Astra Zeneca, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson COVID 19 vaccines used in Nigeria, irrespective of where they are manufactured.”
