The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday announced its resolve to activate a principle of reciprocity in the permission granted to international airlines that will operate in its airspace as international flight re-opens.
This was disclosed in Abuja by the country’s Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, during the media briefing by the Presidential Task Force [PTF] on COVID-19.
“What it means is that only airlines from countries that allow flights from Nigeria will be allowed to fly into and out of the country,” Sirika said.
According to him, the country’s position is informed by the ban placed by some countries on flights from Nigeria, and that Nigeria’s decision was taken in the interest of its citizens.
The Minister who was represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA], Captain Musa Nuhu, also disclosed that airlines will be informed on arrangements put in place to ensure that resumption of flights will be hitch-free.
Speaking on the number of flights to be operated daily, Sirika said “only a few flights per day will be permitted as a test run for the protocols put in place to ensure a safe return to international operations.”
He expressed his appreciation to the airlines, Aviation workers, travellers and all stakeholders for their patience and understanding and urged all hands to be on deck in ensuring a successful and efficient resumption of international flight operations.
You will recall that Travel Business reported earlier that passengers arriving or returning to Nigeria will now be mandated to present, as a prerequisite for boarding, a negative result of COVID-19 test conducted within 2 weeks but preferably 5 days before departure date and will equally be ready to self-quarantine for 14 days in their Port of Entry [Lagos and Abuja].
Nigeria To Withhold Passports Of Persons Arriving From Abroad As Airports Open
…returnees must provide COVID19 negative certificate; must still undergo two-week isolation period
The Presidential Task Force [PTF] on COVID-19 has issued a REVISED QUARANTINE PROTOCOL for persons arriving Nigeria from Abroad [including returnees/stranded Nigerians].
The revised protocol contained in a circular to all diplomatic, consular and international organisations accredited to Nigeria on the COVID-19 protocols to be observed by passengers arriving Nigeria includes depositing their passports with the Nigeria Immigration Service [NIS] for two weeks, pending the verification of their COVID-19 status.
According to the revised quarantine protocol which comes into immediate effect, the arrivals are expected to self-isolate for 14 days and to remain in the city/state where the point of entry is located [Lagos or Abuja], throughout the duration of self-quarantine.
The protocol states further: “If not resident in Lagos, passengers shall make arrangements for accommodation at their own cost. Please note that the federal government will not be responsible for providing accommodation or transportation to the place of abode.
“Passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration Service System’s Migrant Identification and Data Analysis System and their passports retained until after successful completion of 14 days self-quarantine, except diplomatic passport holders.”
It said after all the COVID-19 protocols had been followed, instructions would be given to the NIS to release the passports to their owners.
According to the protocol, alternative arrangements could be made to collect passports via special delivery.
The protocol said persons who are unable to remain in Lagos or Abuja throughout the period of self-quarantine may return to their states of residence only after their samples had been collected and had tested negative for COVID-19, adding, “such persons must also make their full contact details available.”
All persons, whether citizens or foreigners, are to comply with this protocol.
Other features of the PTF’s revised protocol are: “Passengers arriving/returning to Nigeria must have tested negative for COVID-19 [pre-boarding PCR test in the country of departure]. PCR test must be within two weeks before departure and preferably not less than five days pre-boarding.
“Tests done more than two weeks before departure are not valid and persons will not be allowed to board; but for the five days minimum, this advisory will not preclude boarding.
“Onboard, passengers are required to fill in the health declaration/self-reporting form and the sample collection time allocation form.
“Passengers should ensure that the information/contact details provided on the form are correct, verifiable and they can be reached on the phone number and address provided.
“They will be given an appointment time and date to present themselves at the Sample Collection Centre located in Lagos or Abuja for a repeat COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
“Passengers must provide their full and correct address and phone number before exiting the airport. They must comply with self-isolation/quarantine guidelines and ensure that they can be reached/can be located during the period.
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