By Linus Aleke
A member of the Nigerian delegation to the Parliament of the Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS), Hon. Chukwuemeka Umeoji has expressed outrage over the high level of extortion of travellers, as well as unbridled corruption that surrounded the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, across West African states.

Hon. Umeoji expressed this outrage at the ongoing 2022 Second Extra-Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lome, Togo.

He said there was a high level of extortion of travellers at every entry point across West African states during the peak of the management of the pandemic, in the sub-region.

The Nigerian MP said, though, the scrutiny, is not only for parliamentarians but for the entire ECOWAS citizens, it is appalling and disgusting as people are delayed unnecessarily despite presenting their certificates of immunization and other requirements.

Biden boosts Democrat fund raising with James Murdoch event

He said: “That type of scrutiny is a hindrance to the spirit of ECOWAS which involves free movement of persons, goods and services.

When you have a such a 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”.

Hon. Umeoji, 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.