Nigerian Government Begins Screening Of Arriving Passengers Over COVID-19 Infections Fresh Wave

The Nigerian government, under the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) has said it will be resuming the screening of passengers coming into the country for possible COVID-19 cases.

Dr Geoffrey Okatubo, Director, Port Health Services, made this known on Monday in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, during the Ministerial bi-weekly meeting on the update of COVID-19 response and developments in the country’s health sector

Okatubo stated that the government was planning to use the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RTD) during the screening, adding that the exercise is targeted to keep the coronavirus situation under control.

“COVID-19 self-tests (RTD) will be handed out at all our international airports, land and sea borders, while travellers will also be informed on the importance of measures that they can take to prevent being infected,” he said.

He conceded that some people had undergone problems with the travel portal, remarking that the health declaration certificate could also be filled out on arrival.

He said the health certificate form was also available at the country’s land borders, and that it was compulsory.

“The health declaration is being done by the Port Health officers at the border,” he said.

He said completing the health declaration was good for the country if the citizens understood the advantages, part of which he said was to protect everyone and was also an international health regulation.