Nigerian Federal Lawmakers have called out Ghanians for using fake COVID-19 tests to defraud Nigerians in Ghana. Daily Trust reports that the alarm was raised by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe (APC, Kwara) in a motion co-sponsored by Senators Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara), Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu), and Betty Apiafi (PDP, Rivers).
Oloriegbe pointed out that there were some hefty accusations that some Nigerians who tested negative while traveling out of Nigeria tested positive upon entry in Ghana. He further stated that the Ghanian authorities mandated that Nigerians who visited their country would need to be isolated for two weeks and pay about N70,000 per day. He mentioned that some Nigerians travelling to Ghana or just passing through the country have had to pay about N1,000,000 while in isolation.
The lawmaker stated that the allegations should be properly investigated and addressed. Otherwise, they would continue to exploit Nigerians amid the global economic recession. He also pointed out the growing demand for vaccinations and test results due to the greater freedom it would give people.
“Also, there will always be people who don’t want to wait for their official vaccination, or for an official negative test result – and shady people willing to service that demand.” He noted.
He expressed his concerns that if the allegations are not looked into, it could have negative consequences on the Nigerians who were traveling outside the country with genuine COVID-19 vaccinations cards.
Following the allegations, the Senate has directed its committees on Health (Secondary & Tertiary), Primary Health and Communicable Diseases and Foreign Affairs to carry out a detailed investigation on the case.