As Nigeria responds to an outbreak of COVID-19, the Government has recommended mandatory quarantine for all returnees to Nigeria. All returning travellers to Nigeria shall be quarantined for 14 days in a facility identified by the Government. Travellers coming into Nigeria will be institutionally quarantined at their own cost which is a total sum of NGN 290,000 (747 USD). 

The need for quarantine in a government facility is unnecessary. People can self-isolate at home. Government facilities in Nigeria are not well maintained, poorly ventilated, not conducive and can actually be a harbour for the spread of the Corona virus.

Also, the cost of $747 is back-breaking for most returnees. People who have been stranded in other countries, unable to work during the total lockdown will not be able to pay this amount. This is an avenue for the government to make more money from the poor masses.

Lastly, there is no proof that isolating people without symptoms can deter the spread of the Corona virus. People who present a negative COVID result done within the last 48 hours should be allowed a thorough fare into Nigeria. Those positive can be isolated in a government facility. Those who do not have a test result can be tested at the point of entry and asked to self-isolate at home before they get their test results.