Nigeria Disables Passports, Cancels Visas of 90 Travellers For Violating Covid Protocols

The Nigerian government has sanctioned 90 travellers, disabling their passports for at least one year and cancelling visas of foreigners for violating the protocol for passengers arriving the country from selected countries.

According to the presidential steering committee (PSC) on COVID-19 the 90 travellers have been declared persons of interest.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha in a statement on Sunday “advised members of the public that these persons of interest constitute an immediate health hazard to the society”.

The affected travellers — who arrived Nigeria from Brazil, India and Turkey between May 8 and May 15 through the airports in Lagos and Abuja — have been mandated to report to the nearest government health facility within the next 48 hours.

“They must therefore transport themselves safely, to the nearest state public health departments within 48hrs of this notice for immediate evaluation and call the Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health on 08036134672 or 08032461990 for further directions,” the statement reads.

“The PSC shall in addition, take further steps to sanction these violators. These steps include: Disabling their travel passports for a period not less than one year; cancelation of visas/ permits of foreigners that have abused our hospitality; and Prosecution under the 2021 Health Protection Regulations.”

The PSC added that a second list of travellers who also violated the COVID-19 protocol will be published soon.

The federal government had ordered travellers who arrived Nigeria within 14 days of visiting Brazil, Turkey and India, to embark on isolation due to the rising cases of the coronavirus disease in the countries.

By Abel Ejikeme

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