COVID-19: Nigerian govt empowers police to prosecute travellers with fake PCR results

The Federal Government of Nigeria has given the police powers to prosecute passengers with forged COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results.

It was gathered that the amended protocol, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, became effective September 14, 2021.

Mustapha is the Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19.

The government took the decision after discovering some passengers either claim to be diplomats or ignore testing before trips.

Also, travellers found to have filled false information on the travel portal and online health declaration form would be liable to prosecution.

Similarly, those who fail to comply with directives of Port-Health staff, security agencies, or evade quarantine will face the law.

Their travel documents would be returned after clearance by Port Health Services.

Non-Nigerian passport holders and non-residents who visited Brazil, Turkey or South Africa within 14 days before their travel to Nigeria would be denied entry.

Airlines that breach the protocol risk a fine of $3,500 for each defaulting passenger.

However, travellers who only transited through the countries are exempted.

Meanwhile, the government has removed India from the list of restricted countries.