On Monday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) began enforcing ‘no vaccination and no entry’ into the Area 11 Garki Secretariat. 

Many civil servants were turned back for not providing vaccination evidence.

As early as 7:00 a.m., the implementation team and security men manned the secretariat entrance.

Many staff and visitors were being turned back as some were seen at the entrance gates grumbling and begging to gain access.

Addressing journalists, Ikharo Attah, an aide of the FCT minister, noted that the enforcement would continue to ensure full compliance.

Mr Attah explained that there was no going back on enforcement of the directive, adding that pictures of vaccination cards on phones and photocopies would not be accepted.

He further stated that an enforcement team had been deployed at the premises of FCTA and secretariats and departments to monitor compliance.

“We will be following up seriously on this, and we have also warned people not to snap their card on the phone as we want to see the original card, don’t show us vaccination card on the phone,” stated Mr Attah. “We will be asking for identity cards, and we will match the cards with your COVID-19 vaccination card so that you don’t bring someone else’s card as your own.”

The enforcement team went round some agencies of FCTA which includes, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Social Development Secretariat, FCT Universal Basic Education Board, FCT Water Board, Secondary Education Board, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Public Health Department, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) and FCT Area Council Staff Pension Board.

The FCTA had on Tuesday, January 11, said it would bar workers from accessing their offices from January 17 if unable to show proof of their vaccination against COVID-19. 

(NAN)