As Nigeria continues to ease its COVID-19 lockdown, the Federal Government is set to commence international flight operations in the country. The Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19 on Monday, August 17, announced August 29 as the planned date for international flights to resume in Nigeria. According to the PTF, flight operations are to begin in the international airports in Lagos and Abuja. In addition to health guidelines like physical distancing, wearing of masks, temperature checks and washing/sanitising of hands, passengers are required to take COVID-19 tests close to their departure dates, to which they must have tested negative before they will be allowed to embark on their trips. Travellers coming into Nigeria are further required to take another test after seven days of isolation following their arrival into the country, and only allowed to exit isolation if their test result turns up negative on the eighth day. The PTF on Monday, August 24, announced further guidelines and protocols for the resumption of international flights, one of which is a fine of $3,500 per passenger for international airlines, if they fail to comply with pre-boarding COVID-19 requirements.
It will be recalled that in July, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika stated that the Federal Government inaugurated the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee to review guidelines for re-opening Nigeria’s airports to international flight operations. Prior to this, domestic flight operations had commenced in early July with the observance of health protocols by airport authorities and airline operators.
As countries around the world make efforts to resume various activities, Nigeria is yet to reveal its plans for the resumption of schools across the country.