Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has threatened to deport travellers who violate the COVID-19 safety protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee.

“All foreigners that flout the rules would be subjected to possible deportation,” warned Mr Sanwo-Olu. “Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and when due.”

He stated this on Tuesday in a statement while giving an update on the management of COVID-19 in Lagos.

Mr Sanwo-Olu added that his government, in partnership with the PSC, would start prosecuting travellers who refused to be tested, blacklist their passports for one year.

The Lagos governor further mentioned that current guidelines on travel protocols released by the PSC must be strictly followed by passengers arriving in Nigeria.

The guidelines include COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48 hours before departure; post-arrival COVID-19 PCR test; partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for seven days.

He also warned against intending outbound passengers procuring fake COVID test results and vaccination cards.

According to him, the Lagos government is working with the NCDC, SSS, and the police to apprehend criminals selling fake vaccination cards.

”We implore everyone to desist from patronising these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties,” he urged. ”Our state’s mobile courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations, as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake COVID test results and vaccination certificates.”

(NAN)