FG makes COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for civil servants

The federal government has mandated civil servants to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said workers who fail to get vaccinated will be barred from entering their places of work.

Mustapha, who is also the chairman of the presidential steering committee (PSC) on COVID-19, announced this at a briefing on Wednesday.

He said starting from December 1, workers who do not show proof of vaccination and or a negative COVID-19 result will be barred from government offices.

“With effect from 1st December 2021, federal government employees shall be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours, to gain access to their offices, in all locations within Nigeria and our Missions. An appropriate service-wide advisory/circular will be issued to guide the process,” he said.

According to the SGF, testing statistics generated over the last four weeks have shown that the infection rate is going down in some states, while in others, the trajectory is upward.

He said the restrictions placed on travellers coming into Nigeria from South Africa, Turkey, and Brazil have been eased.

“The honorable minister of aviation today presented the position of African countries on vaccine passport which some economic blocks and countries wish to impose, for travel purposes,” he said.

“This is because African countries have found it difficult to access the vaccines for their citizens in sufficient number.

“Over several months, four countries were placed on high level restriction for travelers from such countries. The PSC has after a review of the developments in these countries, decided to remove South Africa, Turkey, and Brazil from the restricted list.

“As you are aware, the UK has eased restrictions on fully vaccinated travelers from Nigeria to the UK with effect from 11th October.”

He said the PSC will continue to review Nigeria’s protocols based on global developments, science, and national experience.