The Nigerian government has mandated that incoming passengers to the country, through the airports, fill out a health declaration form to ensure safety against infectious diseases. The protocol had earlier been introduced globally, especially when the coronavirus pandemic struck the world, and was in place for many months. However, the reintroduction of the protocols by the Nigerian government through the Port Health Services under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is connected to the recent outbreak of Mpox (monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other African countries.
In a message circulated on Sunday, the government noted that all arriving customers into the country at the Lagos and Abuja stations are to complete the form from 11 August on its designated website. According to the health ministry, “the form is an instituted measure to prevent the spread, monitor the possible importation of infectious diseases and aid the control of disease outbreaks, thereby protecting the health of all Nigerians.” “A paper-based version will be provided on arrival in Nigeria for passengers unable to fill out the form online,” the authorities said.
In a report recently released, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Mpox cases have risen by 160 per cent on the continent in 2024 compared with the 2023 record. PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporter.