The Federal Government of Nigeria mandated all civil servants to take COVID-19 vaccine with December 1, 2021 set as the deadline.
The Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, announced the mandate at a briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said, “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.”
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Mustapha also disclosed that the FG has removed South Africa, Brazil, and Turkey from the list of countries where travelers have been restricted from coming into Nigeria as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that UK’s ease of restriction for vaccinated travelers from Nigeria is a welcome development.
“Over several months, four countries were placed on high-level restriction for travelers from such countries,” the SGF said. “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. Nigeria welcomes this development and assures that the PSC shall continue to review Nigeria’s protocols based on global developments, science, and national experience. A revised protocol will be issued in the next 24 hours.”
He also said that “The PSC wishes to put Nigerians on notice that two major religious festivities (Salah and Christmas) are approaching and we shall be experiencing increased passenger traffic in and out of the country. Similarly, events of large gatherings are likely to hold. While the PSC prepares to escalate surveillance and other control activities, we urge the States and all Nigerians to also increase their vigilance and take measures to moderate activities.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
