Nigerian Government Tells Returnees To Compulsorily Undergo COVID-19 Test And Be Negative Before They Can Be Given Access Into The Country

A form on the website of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NIDCOM indicates that the federal government has mandated Nigerians abroad willing to return to the country to get tested for coronavirus and the result must be negative before they can be granted access into the country.

The form, entitled “COVID-19 Application Form for Nigerians who want to return home” on the NIDCOM website, states that anyone who intends to return “must get tested for the virus in your country of residence and be issued an authorised health clearance certificate attesting that you are COVID-19 free.”

It further reads: “This certificate must be presented and authenticated by officials at the airport in your country of departure before you are allowed to board the aircraft.

“On landing, you will also be on compulsory quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Nigeria, at an NCDC approved location.

The chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa had previously announced that the evacuees will bear all financial requirements for evacuation.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama had on Monday said only few Nigerians abroad had so far indicated interest to be evacuated.

He said: “We sent the letters (to the embassies) last week but we have not gotten many persons that want to return now.

“They are just few, not many; but we are still waiting to confirm their actual number.”