The Presidential Task Force, (PTF) on COVID-19 on Monday said no fewer than 39,070 passengers, who arrived the country did not pay for coronavirus test.
The Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, who indicated this at the PTF press conference in Abuja, also disclosed that some travellers presented fake documents on COVID-19 tests and other information.
Pre- and post-arrival tests are two of the protocols for travellers using the country’s airports and the tests are paid for by travellers, who cannot be tested unless they make the payments.
But on Monday, Mustapha said some of those who paid for post-arrival test had failed to show up for the tests.
Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the PTF had been evaluating the compliance of Nigerians with the protocols for testing by in-bound and out-bound travellers.
“It has been discovered that some of these travellers have indulged in presenting fake documents. Some that have paid for post-arrival testing have failed to show up for the tests”, Mustapha said.
He said the PTF was concluding steps to work with relevant institutions and legal authorities to impose appropriate sanctions on those that defaulted on the protocols, adding that the various guidelines and the testing regime prescribed for in-bound passengers would remain in force.
The SGF added that the PTF was working with the World Health Organisation, (WHO) and other partners to access vaccines as soon as they are available.
