FG Discloses What Will Happen To Foreigners Who Flout COVID-19 Protocols

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says non Nigerian passengers from United Kingdom and South Africa who flout the COVID-19 protocols risk deportation.

Ekohotblog reports that the development is contained in circular issued on Saturday and signed by Musa Nuhu, the director-general of the NCAA.

The circular also has in it new guidelines for airlines and passengers coming into Nigeria from the United Kingdom and South Africa.

The NCAA’s said issuance of the new directive is part of efforts to check the spread of the new strain of COVID-19 recorded in the two countries.

According to the circular, all airlines operating between Nigeria and the two countries must ensure that passengers adhere to the new guidelines.

Nuhu disclosed that all passengers are to submit a pre-departure permit to fly, and evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test done within 96 hours in order to be allowed to fly into Nigeria.

“On arrival in Nigeria, passengers will be received and processed separately by Public Health authorities,” the circular reads.

“All passengers will be required to self-isolate for 7 days after arrival followed by a Covid-19 PCR test.

“Passengers with a post-arrival negative Covid-19 PCR result can exit isolation at day 8. Those with a positive Covid-19 PCR result will be referred for isolation and further management.

“A dedicated register of arriving passengers from the United Kingdom and South Africa will be opened for enhanced surveillance and active enforcement of the protocol.”

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The NCAA boss warned that airlines that fail to comply with the new directive will be sanctioned, noting that repeated violation of the guidelines will be met with suspension.

“Airlines shall be fined $3,500 (Three Thousand Five dollars) for each defaulting passenger,” he said.

“Airlines may be required to return non-Nigerian defaulting passengers to point of embarkation.

“Repeated non-compliance by any airline will lead to the suspension of the airline’s approval/permit to fly into the country.”