FG To Sanction 20,216 Travellers For Evading COVID-19 Test On Arrival

The Federal Government said it will impose sanctions on travellers who breached public health protocols as precautionary steps to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19

and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said 20,216 travellers would be sanctioned for shunning COVID-19 test upon arrival.

“20,216 (31%) have not shown up for post-arrival test thereby endangering members of the community and breaching the protocols they signed up to,” he said.

“The PTF has concluded arrangements with the Nigeria Immigration Service to impose sanctions on these defaulters for breaching the public health protocols, within the ambit of the law.

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“The PTF has surveyed developments and actions taken by governments around the world, assessed our domestic environment and has accordingly submitted its recommendations to Mr President on immediate measures to be taken.

“Accordingly, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has authorised the PTF to engage with the States and the FCT to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.”

Mustapha, also said 163,818 inbound travellers have been captured on the government’s portal as of today.

“Out of this number, 77,025 (47%) made payment for post-arrival testing, 64,405 (84%) of the number are due for a post-arrival test, Out of 44,189 (69%) that were due for a post-arrival test, 44,189 representing (59%) of those tested,” he added