Ifeanyi Valentine, Frederick Idehai, Lome
A Nigerian Parliamentarian at the ongoing Extra-Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lome, Togo, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji has expressed dismay over the high level extortion and corruption across the sub-region while scrutinising the COVID-19 status of traveller at entry points.
He said though, the scrutiny which is not only for Parliamentarians but for the entire ECOWAS citizens is appalling and disgusting as people are delayed unnecessarily despite presenting their certificates of immunization and other requirements.
"That type of scrutiny is a hindrance to the spirit of ECOWAS which involves free movement of goods and services(Persons).
"When you have such delay, it is discouraging even for foreign investors to think about coming to West Africa . So, we have to look into it.
"In some instances, you are made to part with five or ten dollars before you are attended to or delayed unnecessarily.
"This is the corruption we are talking about that must be discouraged as it is not obtainable in other climes" he said.
The lawmaker however, suggested ways to tackle the menace.
"The way forward is to adopt the procedures as it is done in other countries in Europe, once you have your COVID-19 card, everything is captured their, it gives you access to enter the country", he said.
COVID-19 Abba Kyari transferred to Lagos Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has arrived Lagos. He was transferred from Abuja to Lagos to continue his treatment for coronavirus. Kyari was conveyed to Nigeria’s commercial hub in an air ambulance,News men reports. The top government official tested positive after he returned from Germany. Nigeria currently has over 111 cases. Similarly, as the pandemic lingers, The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it is looking for 6,000 people who have had close contact with persons infected with coronavirus.

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