COVID-19: FG declares travellers from India, Brazil, Turkey wanted

On May 24, 2021

The federal government has declared 90 travellers from India, Brazil, Turkey wanted, whom it described as dangers to public health.

The Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC), and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, the Committee said in a statement that the 90 persons, who are currently at large, had violated the guidelines issued for travellers entering Nigeria from India, Turkey and Brazil.

After identifying the danger posed to global health by new variants of COVID-19, which were predominantly found in the three countries, had introduced a travel advisory, mandating travellers from any of the countries, or who had visited any of them 14 days prior to arrival in Nigeria, to undergo a compulsory arrival quarantine and testing protocols.

However, the 90 offenders whose names and passport details were also made available in the schedule released by the PSC on Sunday night, sneaked into the country without respecting the advisory.

The Committee accused them of endangering public health regulations, which attract spelt out punishments.

“The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 on 1STMay, 2021 issued a Travel Advisory for Passengers arriving in Nigeria from Brazil, India and Turkey.

“These precautionary measures are a necessary step to mitigate the risk of importation of variants of concern and break the chain of transmission to the population.

“Members of the public are by this notice advised that these persons of interest constitute an immediate health hazard to the society,” thstatement id,” the statement said.

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 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, Cancellation of visas/permits of foreigners that have abused our hospitality and Prosecution under the 2021 Health Protection Regulations.

Kamila/The nation