In a bid to combat the outbreak of Yellow Fever and other contagious diseases in the country, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has directed airlines operating regional and international flights into the country to comply with the Point of Entry (POE), a policy which makes the possession of a yellow card mandatory.
This is coming at a time when all airports in Nigeria have stepped up vigilance and checks as a result of the new corona virus global pandemic.
The NCAA in a letter to the airlines issued by Acting Director-General, Capt. A.M. Sidi and obtained by The Culture Newspaper stated that there is an urgent need to fully operationalize the policy due to the ongoing outbreaks of Yellow Fever in the country.
The acting DG further stated that full compliance with the policy would enhance health security in Nigeria and support the global strategy to eliminate the Yellow Fever epidemic.
“Airlines operating regional and international flights into and out of the country are hereby informed of the Ministerial approval of the Nigeria Points of Entry (POEs) Policy on the prevention and control at cross border transmission of Yellow Fever in Nigeria. The World Health Organization recommends vaccination against Yellow Fever for all international travelers aged nine (9) months to sixty (60) years entering or existing Nigeria, as there is evidence of persistent or periodic Yellow Fever virus transmission in the country. Travelers entering or existing Nigeria are by this policy required to have valid yellow cards as proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever” the letter stated
Speaking further, Sidi affirmed that the policy is also in line with the agency’s Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Parts 18.8.20.1, 18.8.22.1, 18.8.22.2 and 18.8.22.3.
“The Authority hereby directs all airlines operating regional and international flights into and out of the country to comply with this policy by carrying out the following:
1. Inform all intending passengers to be in possession of a valid e-yellow card.
2. Make the possession of a valid e-yellow card a mandatory pre-boarding requirement for all passengers traveling into and out of Nigeria” he said.