I have actively sensitized citizens about COVID-19 and practice preventive tips. I also strongly advocate for vaccination as I am fully vaccinated and have successfully persuaded 15 of BHI team members to vaccinate against COVID-19.
However, the evil politics around COVID is worrisome. COVID Test in Edo State is free except for TRAVEL purpose when you are made to pay a huge sum. Vaccination is also free. Maybe it will also become wahala soon.
I recently made a trip to Ghana. In preparation, I discovered the Nigerian government had designated centres for Travel related COVID TESTING. These centres are charging huge fees – ranges from 35,000 and above. The tests are to be done within 72hrs before travel as extension of these hours disqualify the test.
On Sunday 29th of August, 2021, I paid 35,000 for a COVID Test in Abuja. The Laboratory Staff behaved very professionally and respectful. They emailed the result the next day thus saving me the stress of a physical pick-up.
On arrival in Accra – August 31st, I paid $50 for another COVID Test which was done at the Airport before I headed to my hotel.
While in Accra, I was asked to do another COVID Test which I will use for return trip to Nigeria. I did the test and paid again – Making it THREE TESTS in one week.
A night to my departure from Ghana, I was mandated to pay for a COVID Test in Nigeria. Please note that I was still in Ghana oohhh. I was to choose location of the test in Nigeria and it has to be a location that I will physically be SEVEN days after arrival. While still in Ghana, I paid #35,000 to Edo Specialist Hospital for the test.
I needed a facility close to Igarra but unfortunately there are only two approved facilities in Edo State and they are both in Benin-City. There was no consideration of those citizens in Edo-Central or Edo-North.
On arrival to Nigeria, I tried to do the test the next day but was told I am to wait until the 7th Day. I stayed extra day in Benin and travelled home.
September 21 2021, I visited Edo Specialist Hospital in Benin for the test. I met unfriendly staff who were very inconsiderate. The young man stated that COVID Test hours was over as they close by 3pm. I asked him to consider those who have to travel long distances from far communities to Benin-City. He delayed me for about 11minutes until I protested.
He eventually collected my payment confirmation proof to do the verification and then concluded that the timeline was over as I exceeded number of stipulated days. He proceeded to show me an information bulletin from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The #35,000 I paid is gone… Forfeited. It can’t even be used for another test. It is supposed to be my entitlement to do this test since I have paid for it regardless of the expiry of deadline. I can use the test for health check and not necessarily for travel but they have just STOLEN my #35,000.
If for instance, you live at Ibillo in Edo State and need to travel out of Nigeria, you will be required to travel from Ibillo to Benin-City. You will probably need to lodge in Benin as you might not arrive before 3pm. Note that most COVID Test centres in Abuja and Lagos work 24hrs yet our own in Edo State are closing at 3pm. You will pay #35,000 for the test and spend another money on transportation back to your community. Imagine hiring a car from Ibillo to Benin at #35,000 to do a COVID Test of #35,000. You will need to repeat this torturous process whenever you return to Nigeria.
Why will I have a COVID Vaccination Card and still be subjected to such torture. If the Testing in Nigeria was done within 72hrs of travel, why do I need to do another in Accra. It is obvious that African leaders are exploiting the situation. Please see the attached information bulletin and ensure to read it line by line.
Imagine if I have multiple trips in a month, it means my nostrils and throat will need sutures from the repeated insertion.
Being vaccinated should have benefits. Both Airports didn’t even ask of my vaccination card but they asked of the Yellow Fever Card. They make it seem as though the vaccination was waste of my effort.
NCDC and designated COVID facilities are STEALING our monies in Nigeria. This is broad daylight robbery in the guise of COVID.
_____________________________
Priscilla Usiobaifo is the Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative (BHI), Igarra, Edo State.
