Nigeria: Incoming international passengers to undergo COVID-19 test at airports

The Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, has said that inbound passengers from foreign trips will henceforth be tested for COVID-19 on arrival at the Nigeria airports.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), made this known on Monday (27 July) at the daily briefing of the task force in Abuja.

“Considering the importance of international air travel to the economy, the PTF and the Aviation sector are working hard to fast track the reopening of the international airspace.

“Most importantly, the arrival protocols for passengers on inbound flights are being firmed up for seamless testing and detection,” he said.

“Relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) will hold further consultations,” he added.

Mustapha urged Nigerians to be patient and await the real date for the resumption of international flights, as no date had been fixed yet.

READ ALSO: Travellers entering Germany must undergo mandatory coronavirus test — or pay €25,000

In a related development, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said international flights in and out of the country may resume before October.

Sirika revealed this in a tweet while dismissing reports that the resumption date had been set.

International flights have been suspended in the country since March 23 in a bid to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Domestic flights were also suspended but have since resumed in June as the country tries to roll back coronavirus-induced lockdowns.

“International Flight resumption date is not October,” Sirika said. 

“In liaison with Health, Foreign Affairs & PTF COVID-19, we will announce the agreed date, regardless of the ban by Europe, UAE etc. May be earlier than October.”

Kola Tella