Airlines risk $3,500 fine per passenger without COVID-19 test result

The federal government says airlines would be fined $3,500 per passenger for airlifting passengers without a negative COVID-19 test result.

Sanni Aliyu, the coordinator of the presidential task force on COVID-19, said passengers arriving the country are expected to present a PCR COVID-19 test result that was taken within seven days.

Aliyu also explained that when a passenger arrives in the country and presents a PCR negative result, the passenger is expected to self-isolate for seven days and submit his or her COVID-19 test before reuniting with the community.

On the concerns over cases of passengers coming into the country with a negative COVID-19 test result and testing positive in Nigeria, he said that PTF was studying the situation and would make a decision when the need arises.

Aliyu said that health workers would monitor passengers on self-isolation and sanctions would be imposed on passengers who do not undergo a test after seven days.

“On arrival in the country from 29th of August, passports will no longer be retained by the Nigeria Immigration Service,” the coordinator explained.

“Rather, passengers will be allowed to proceed and exit the airport once they can show evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR result and evidence for payment for a repeat PCR result in the country; and where possible, where we have been able to get the health questionnaires that have been submitted.

“Passengers will be asked to proceed on self-isolation at home for a period of seven days. On day 7, they will proceed to their sample collection centre for a repeat PSR test and by day 8, they will be allowed to rejoin the society.”

In his remarks, Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, said meetings have already been communicated with the international carriers where decisions on operating clearance will be announced to them.

Sirika had earlier said Nigeria will ban flights from countries that have placed bans on flights from Nigeria.

“We are almost there. Just a few things to be done but we will be ready in the coming days. By Monday, we will have comprehensive details for the resumption,” he said on Monday.

“About 1,280 passengers will be allowed in on a daily basis in Abuja and Lagos airports, which have been billed to start first when the international flights resume.”

Sirika had previously announced that international flights will resume on August 29.