Travel News

(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines has immediately suspended flights from South Africa and six other countries until December 15 over concerns about a new coronavirus variant recently identified in the region. 

Travel restrictions are in effect immediately and also cover Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a statement Friday night. Passengers who have visited any of these countries in the 14 days before their arrival will also be temporarily barred from entry, he said. 

Read More: What We Know About the Virus Variant Rocking Markets: QuickTake

The move follows similar restrictions by a number of places, such as Singapore, the U.K. and Hong Kong as scientists around the world race to determine how the new variant is likely to behave in people who’ve been vaccinated or previously infected. The World Health Organization called the strain a variant of concern, assigning it the Greek letter omicron. 

The fresh travel curbs are the latest example of the Philippines’ attempt to balance reopening while guarding against outbreaks. The Southeast Asian nation on Friday announced reopening of borders to tourists from what it considers low-risk areas, part of a spate of easing of restrictions after weeks of declining coronavirus infections.

(Bloomberg) -- Australia has introduced new Covid-19 border security measures to protect against the new omicron variant.

Direct flights from nine southern African countries will be suspended immediately, Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a press conference on Saturday. The countries are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Losoto, Eswatini, the Seychelles, Malawi and Mozambique.

Returning Australian citizens and their dependents who have been in any of those countries in the past 14 days must enter supervised quarantine on arrival. Other travelers from those locations will not be allowed to enter Australia.

The travel restrictions come after the World Health Organization said that a strain of coronavirus first detected in Southern Africa, now known as omicron, poses a threat that could confound countries’ efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19. Scientists say the variant carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein, which plays a key role in the virus’s entry into cells in the body. 

Governments from the U.S. to Hong Kong tightened restrictions on travel from countries in southern Africa after the discovery of the new mutation.

Hunt said that people who have arrived in Australia in the past 14 days from the nine countries under travel restrictions must get tested immediately and isolate for two weeks.

No cases of the omicron variant have been identified in Australia, Hunt said. He added that one person who recently arrived from South Africa and tested positive for Covid is currently in quarantine in the Northern Territory, but that the strain of their infection is not known. 

The health minister said the government would “reserve the right” to strengthen or ease restrictions, “if the medical evidence shows that further actions are required.”

More than 70% of the eligible Australian population is fully vaccinated, according to the Bloomberg Vaccine Tracker.

(Bloomberg) -- New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Friday due to a rise in Covid-19 cases in the state and the threat of the omicron variant.

She said the variant hasn’t yet been detected in the state but that she decided to sign an executive order to allow the health department to limit non-essential, non-urgent procedures at hospitals and acquire critical supplies more quickly. The order takes effect Dec. 3 and will be re-assessed based on the latest data on Jan. 15.

“We continue to see warning signs of spikes this upcoming winter, and while the new omicron variant has yet to be detected in New York state, it’s coming,” Hochul said. 

Earlier in the month, Hochul blamed vaccine holdouts for a rise in hospitalizations, saying that a worsening situation was avoidable if people would get the shots. She also discouraged large indoor gatherings for Thanksgiving, saying then that “we are heading into a vulnerable time.”

President Joe Biden on Friday imposed fresh travel restrictions on nations in southern Africa, where the omicron variant was first detected, joining efforts by other countries to try and slow the spread of a potentially potent new Covid-19 variant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Friday that no omicron cases has been identified so far.

BY Dayo Ojerinde, Deborah Tolu-Kolawole, Stephen Angulu, Solomon Odeniyi and Ada Wodu

Medical experts on Monday warned that Nigeria risked travel bans with Canada’s detection of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in two travellers from Nigeria.

Virologists, including the  Chairman of the  Expert Review Committee on COVID-19, Professor Oyewale Tomori, who stated this in separate interviews with The PUNCH, lamented that the variant of the virus in Nigeria was detected in Canada.

Tomori  berated the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control for  its failure to coordinate genomic sequencing of samples of coronavirus  obtained from laboratories across the country.

He said although there were laboratories, which could do the genomic sequencing of coronavirus  in Nigeria, the NCDC had been bypassing them and taking samples to South Africa.

The PUNCH  on Monday reported that the Canadian government announced that it detected  cases of the omicron variant from two travellers from Nigeria.

Our correspondents learnt that it was through the genomics sequencing of the virus that the variant of the disease could be detected.

Genomic  sequencing is a laboratory method that is used to determine the entire genetic makeup of a specific organism or cell type and changes in areas of the genome.

The Omicron variant, a newly discovered strain of the coronavirus disease, was first reported by the government of South Africa and later by other Southern African countries including Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi.

The variant has also been reported in the United Kingdom, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Hong Kong.

On Monday, Canada said the variant had been detected in two travellers, who recently visited Nigeria.

Commenting on the development,  Tomori in an interview with one of our correspondents took a swipe at the NCDC.

He stated, “In Nigeria, we have more than one laboratory available for genomic sequencing. The problem we are facing is poor leadership from the NCDC. They have failed to coordinate and collaborate and also organise a national network for effective sequencing in Nigeria. Recall that I mentioned that a foreign laboratory will intimate us of the presence of the Omicron variant.

“Some of our laboratories now send test samples outside Nigeria for genomic sequencing when the best thing to do is to coordinate and collaborate.

“Six months ago, our committee sent a proposal to the government on the issue of genomics sequencing. We told them to organise a national network of genomics sequencing, and put NCDC as the coordinator. But  what happened ? They refused. The NCDC said they were the only ones who are charged with sequencing so because the NCDC has control of the laboratories.

Sending samples shows NCDC lacks  national pride, it’s  disgraceful – Tomori

“ They stopped sending samples to the other five genomic laboratories, but they will send to South Africa. This takes a lot of time but it is not just about the time, but the disgrace and absence of national pride, especially when you have similar facilities in your country.”

When asked if the country might risk a travel ban, he said, “Why not? if it does not come with the cases identified from Nigeria, I will be shocked.

A professor of medical virology, University of Maiduguri, Marycelin Baba in a separate interview with our correspondent agreed with Tomori.

It’s a disgrace that Canada alerted us about presence of Omicron in Nigeria – Expert

She said, “Nigeria definitely risks travel bans . The government of Indonesia banned us even before the announcement of the variant by the Canadian government. The announcement could only mean one thing and that is the fact that the variant is already in our midst.

“It is however a thing of shame that we were notified of the presence of the virus by a foreign government and the NCDC is still saying we do not have the variant yet. At this point all we can advocate is speedy vaccination. We do not know if the variant is deadly or not but at least let people get vaccinated”.

Also, a professor of Community Medicine and Public Health, Adesegun Fatusi,  stressed the importance of increased testing, saying this would help in curbing the spread of the virus.

Adesegun, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, told one of our correspondents on Monday that it was evident that the Omicron virus was circulating in Nigeria.

He said, “It is not just about Omicron variant, but any variant, and all variants. We should improve access to testing. More importantly, we should step up preventive actions.

“With two cases detected among Nigerian passengers, it implies that the variant is already circulating in Nigeria.”

On his part, a Medical Virologist at the Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Dr. Oladipo Kolawole,  said it was time for the country to wake up and test more people to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

“The government should wake up from their sleep in terms of testing; we need to test more and more efforts should be intensified on the molecular epidemiology with more sequencing capability. Then the government should establish more sequencing and genomics analysis hub across the country, this will help a lot.”

FG threatens stiffer punishment for those with fake vaccination card

But the Chairman Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, vowed that the Federal Government would decisively deal with anyone found with fake COVID-19 test result, travel certificates among others at the nations point of entering.

Mustapha who frowned on the increasing number of those involved said those engaged in this act were endangering the lives of others.

He spoke during the national briefing on COVID-19 on Monday in Abuja.

Mustapha said, “The PSC is aware of some travellers who have resolved to circumvent the travel protocols by providing fake COVID-19 Test Results, Permit to Travel Certificates or declaring fake vaccination status at our Points of Entry. The weight of the law is heavy and will come hard on these people. You would be amazed at the availability and procurement of these certificates. The danger to which we are all put is unquantifiable.”

Despite opposition, he insisted that the vaccine mandate for civil servants would be enforced from December 1.

On the new variant, he said the PSC was reviewing the situation around the world and putting in place measures to curtail the impact of the variant on the country, urging Nigerians to be vigilant in practice and enforcement of preventive measures.

Mustapha also said the impasse between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates flights had been resolved in the interest of both parties, adding that a date for the commencement of flights between the two countries would be announced in due course.

Also speaking, the Executive Director Of National Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Faisal Shuaib  said  as of Monday  6,504,043 eligible persons have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 3,586,812 persons have been fully vaccinated.

He added that so far over 30million doses of the vaccines are at hand, while another 60 million has been committed before the first quarter of 2022.

Shuaib also disclosed that the committee commenced office-to-office vaccination in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, adding that civil servants would be tested at random to ascertain their true vaccination  status.

“To further ease access to COVID-19 vaccines by Government employees, we have also commenced office-to-office vaccination in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

 “What this simply means is that employees who are yet to be vaccinated will find a vaccination site around their offices to register and get vaccinated. This will help in preventing the excuse of having to leave their place of employment to a distant vaccination site.

 From time to time, civil servants will be picked at random to check or assess their COVID-19 antibody in order to detect persons who fraudulently acquired the vaccination cards without vaccination. Anyone found culpable be handed over to the law enforcement authorities. “

Shuaib listed Ogun, Nasarawa, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti as the states with the highest vaccination rate.

The Head of Technical Secretariat, Mukhtar Muhammad said the PSC is reviewing risks and taking necessary steps to prevent the variant of concern from being imported into the country, he added that a new travel guideline would be issued today.

He said the Federal Government was still waiting for the Canadian government to send the names of the two Nigerians that tested positive to the Omicron COVID-19 strain.

FG awaits details of Nigerians who tested positive in Canada

Muhammad noted that there are no direct flights from Nigeria to Canada and therefore wondered how the two Nigerians tested positive.

“We are waiting for the Canadian authorities to give us full details. There are no direct flights from Nigeria to Canada. We do not know which other countries these passengers transited in. It is likely if their journey emanated from here, they would have had a negative PCR test,” he said.

The incident manager, however, argued that a Nigerian testing positive abroad after testing negative at home, was not an indictment on the authorities.

He argued that when a person is tested too early in the course of an infection, the result could be inaccurate.

“This is not a one way phenomenon when you look at the data of people arriving from other countries to Nigeria. The UK has the highest number of positive tests that are detected here on arrival after departure from the UK with a negative test. We have people testing positive from the US and a whole lot of destinations. Every test has performance characteristics.

“If you test anyone too early in the course of their infection, you may get a negative result and it might be that two or three days after a person has arrived and there has been multiplication of this virus, then you detect it. So, this is a well established phenomenon across the world. It is not a failure of Nigerian testing.”

He also admitted that Nigeria’s capacity for genome sequencing was still not as strong as that of South Africa.

Muhammed stated, “Yes, we do not have the capacity for Genome sequencing as the South Africans do. But I think what I need to remind you of is that before COVID-19, we were at basically zero. And now with a few of the labs in the Genomic Surveillance Network, we have almost 10 labs that are sequencing and depositing sequences in the public database.

“Our challenge at the moment is not how to sequence because there is excess capacity in the network. Our problem is that if we do not test and we do not identify enough positive samples meeting the criteria for selection for sequencing, then you have no samples to sequence. So that is the issue.”

U.S, Rwanda, Netherlands, others   list of countries  with travel ban on S’Africa, Ramaphosa arrives Nigeria today

The United States of America, Rwanda, the Netherlands among others  have joined the list of countries that have imposed a travel ban on South Africa following the discovery of the Omicron strain of the coronavirus disease.

Following the announcement of the new strain on Friday, the United Kingdom placed a travel bans on South Africa and five other African countries as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus.

Similarly, the European Union which comprises of 27 countries slammed a travel ban on the region, this was followed by Israel, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, United States of America, Japan, Seychelles, France, Germany, Rwanda, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Philippines.

The PUNCH reports that the President of South Africa, Cyril  Ramaphosa would arrive Nigeria today amidst threat of a new strain of COVID-19.

Ramaphosa according to Presidency sources, Ramaphosa would be treated to a presidency dinner at the Presidential villa.

He has also been scheduled to hold talks with Buhari on Wednesday. This is as experts warn that the visit could portray danger if the delegates do not follow proper COVID-19 protocols.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian army has urged residents in the Federal Capital Territory not to panic at the sound of gunshot between today and Wednesday.

According to a statement released by the assistant director of public relations, captain Godfrey Abakpa, a total of 21 gun salutes would be fired to welcome the South African President.

Ayade cancels Calabar carnival, cites new COVID-19 variant

Meanwhile, the Cross River State Governor,  Professor  Ben Ayade, has cancelled this year’s Carnival Calabar due to the Omicron variant.

He made the announcement on Monday at a stakeholders’ meeting in the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office initially held to unveil the theme of the carnival.

Announcing the cancellation of the carnival at the meeting attended by carnival band leaders, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Eteng Jones Williams, members of the state Executive Council, local government chairmen from the 18 Council areas of the state,  Ayade cited the health concerns caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 variant, Omicron and the prevailing security situation as  reasons for the cancellation.  

By Wole Oyebade

• Proposed Airline Yet To Apply For ATL, AOC Four Months To Takeoff.
• New Addition To Bring Government-owned Airlines To Four
• Employing 70, 000 Staff A Mirage – Mshelia
• FG Becoming Regulator, Operator Unfair – Stakeholders

The Federal Government’s newfound zest to float the controversial national carrier, Nigeria Air, next year, has spiked concerns in the industry, in a manner that questions both the feasibility and intent of the high-capital venture.

The hurried April 2022 rollout date has generated both positive and negative vibes in equal measure. In fact, the absence of known technical partners, and the mandatory Air Transport Licence (ATL), as well as the Air Operating Certificate (AOC) being in the works have raised suspicion regarding the birth of a government-protected airline that may circumvent standard procedures and edge unfair competition to get by.

Apparently unsettled by the grim prospect, operators maintain that it would be unfair for the government to be both the regulator and operator, at the same time egg on a “national airline” without transparency.

Conversely, stakeholders that do not share the operators’ pessimism, reckon that it was imperative for handlers of the emerging airline to be transparent, work for national interest, and be clear-headed in choosing the right model that can survive in the post-Buhari era.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, recently announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the new national carrier with April 2022 as the take off date.

Sirika, who has been angling for the carrier since 2016, said with the public-private partnership model the government would have only five per cent stake in the business, Nigerian investors will have 46 per cent equity share, while that of foreign partners is pegged at 49.

He alleged that the airline, which would surpass the Federal Government in job creation, employing about 70, 000 Nigerians, just as it would also serve multiple international routes and Single African Air Transport Market Agenda (SAATM) of the African Union.

The Guardian had earlier reported that the ambitious project lately gained traction with keen interests shown by some potential technical partners and the financial backing of the Federal Government year-on-year.

The airline, being one of the 2015 electioneering promises of President Muhammadu Buhari, has consistently racked up appropriation votes since 2019 to 2022, now summed up to N14.65b. About 40 per cent of the sum (N6.25b) has been channeled to working capital, consultancy and transaction advisers’ fees.

Similarly, findings show that Qatar Airways is in the lead in the technical partnership race that also has Turkish Air and Ethiopian Airlines (ET). Qatar was said to be a better contender given its strong rating, financial strength, modern equipment and global network. ET may be instrumental in setting up a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, according to feelers. Sirika, however, said nothing is sealed yet, as the project prepares to enter the procurement stage.

However, investigation by The Guardian showed that the airline was, as at last Friday, yet to submit an application for ATL and AOC, which often take a while to materialise, as it entails scrutinising the entire operation, handlers, and airworthiness of aircraft that will operated.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, in response to The Guardian’s enquiry on the status of the airline (regarding ATL, AOC) said: “They are just starting the process.”

Top officials at the apex regulatory body, however, confirmed nothing on the table yet, even though they vouched that the current NCAA and its committees would not bend the thorough procedure of ATL and AOC approval for any airline.  But the operators saw things differently.

According to them, a new national carrier that has no office, staff, equipment, and is yet to be registered less than five months to the commencement of operation underscores the unhealthy desperation of its handlers, as well as the odds stacked against other operators.

Already, the Federal Government, through the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), has its fingers in Arik Air, Aero Contractors and the controversial startup, NG Eagle. The new addition (Nigeria Air) will bring government-owned airlines to four, out of 11 local airlines.

A former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Associated Airlines, Alex Nwuba, said the government that announced the takeoff date is the same government that controls who operates, the condition under which they operate. “They also grant the licences, so they can grant themselves everything that they need.

“We know it (Nigeria Air) is being led by a foreigner despite the brilliant Nigerian skills that exist in the industry, and we know that they government has said that it will operate with wet-leased aircraft, which means that they’ll probably operate under the AOC of the lessor, which could also be Nigerian. As for rush, they’ve been rushing for five years; it appears that this is the final 100-metre dash to the finish line.

“Anyone in the airline business right now must have some plans for the future to do something else. It is clear from the stance of the government that it is taking steps to be successful. The market isn’t deep enough for a national carrier and private airlines. It will be interesting to list the number of countries that have “national” airlines and thriving private airlines,” Nwuba said tongue-in-cheek.

The timing of the project approval is also suspect. After a four-year layover, the government has chosen to rain on the parade of local airlines that are busy acquiring new aircraft to give the sector a new experience.

Akwa Ibom State-owned carrier, Ibom Air, tabled an ambitious request for 10 brand new Airbus 200-300 aircraft. At a market price of $90.5m per aircraft, the bid is worth about $905m in total.

Similarly, Overland Airways placed a firm order for three new Embraer E175 regional jets, plus rights for the purchase of another three. If all purchase rights are exercised, the deal is worth $299.4 million at list price.

Air Peace earlier led the way with a firm order for 13 Embraer 195-E2 and the prospect of additional 17. The fifth of the first batch is currently expected in the country next month.

An airline’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) described the new national carrier as an avoidable “distraction” and a disservice to other operators.

He said: “I think it is uncharitable on the part of the government to, at this time, mull a government-owned airline. Yes, I speak as an operator and one that wears the shoe. I have heard that the government is planning to lease aircraft for that purpose. But that is the same government that has told operators to go get new aircraft for their operations. Three airlines have gone ahead, yet you, the minister/government is doing the opposite.

“How do you think Nigeria will look in the eyes of aircraft manufacturers, local and foreign investors that have chosen to partner with local airlines? What is desperation all about? Political or operational? The entire charade is all garbed in dishonesty. I think the government should focus more on creating a business-friendly environment, and in playing its regulatory function than in being an operator and a regulator at the same time.”

On his part, the Chairman of West Link Airline, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, reckoned that some projections of the national carrier were not feasible.

Mshelia noted that some large airlines like Lufthansa and KLM actually have large workforce in excess of 100, 000 employees. But the same cannot be said of other airlines “on our level” like Kenya Airways that has 5, 000 or Etihad that has about 14,000.

“How on earth will an airline that is a dream away or a mirage employ 70, 000 people? There has to be transparency in the whole exercise. He (the minister) must be called to order,” he said.

Mshelia added that the process of registering an airline would require a minimum of a 12 months incubation period, which raises a feasibility doubt on Nigeria Air taking off in April 2022.

He said it begins with registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and application for the ATL, if the operation is scheduled in nature.

“We all know that every director has to fill a form because the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-recommended practice is that all those who operate airlines must have reputable track records so that we don’t have criminals doing gunrunning, laundering and what have you. Every director on paper must be vetted by the Department of State Services (DSS). They must also complete Personal History Statement (PHS) form and submit same, after which the documents are sent to the DSS that must verify every single claim on it.

“After the vetting, the airline must put out an advert for 28 days for anyone that has an issue regarding licensing of the ATL to the applicant to come up with reasons. There could be court cases going on for months, or years and that should further tell you something.

“All these have to be done before the ATL is obtained so that promoters of the airline can thereafter apply for AOC, and you know how long it takes to get AOC in Nigeria. Of course, those that are involved are not going to rush the process because it is a Nigerian project, and we will not allow that. In addition to that, we are a Category-one country. They should not dare do that otherwise they will lose that status,” Mshelia warned.

Another stakeholder, who did not want to be named intoned that the “noble initiative” began with a wrong footing and has continued in errors that naturally discredit the merits.

“We live in a country where nobody can trust politicians, or the government. The reason is simple; you can easily pick holes in their claims. The minister, a trained aviator and someone that should know should not say that a new airline would employ 70, 000 people and expect Nigerians to clap for him. Even the best airlines in the world don’t have such numbers despite decades of operation. The figures are all in the public domain. So, when you start with a lie, you make nonsense of the whole thing.

“It is unheard of that a government that is borrowing to pay salaries will be funding a national carrier, albeit camouflaging with foreign investment, which has been non-existent. In 2017, a prominent middle eastern carrier rejected the offer of partnership with the Nigerian Air project, and advised the minister of aviation to first go and fix the infrastructure in the industry – terminals, aids, seamless connection between domestic and international flights and so on.

“Fixing the infrastructure and other such steps should be the priority of the minister. Why is he championing the national carrier if the government, according to him, has only five per cent interest? How can he set up a start date without even naming the foreign partners? Who are the local partners? Why has the project failed to fly even after embarking on it for five years? Sirika is Nigeria’s longest serving minister, and has received every financial and budgetary support to succeed, but there’s very little to show for it,” he said.

The Nigerian government has reassured the Republic of South Africa that it will continue to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries for the mutual benefit of both country's citizens and economies.

Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said this on Monday at the closing of the Ministerial Meeting of the 10th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Abuja.

Onyeama said that he was optimistic that the just-concluded meeting would facilitate the implementation of all signed MoUs/Agreements between the two countries.

He noted that during the meeting, senior officials of both countries deliberated extensively on a number of important issues related to bilateral relations between both countries.

He said both countries had a productive exchange of views, given the unique nature of the forum which brought together, a cross-section of the key stakeholders dealing with the issues from a variety of perspectives.

"I look forward to the implementation stage of all signed MoUs/agreements between the two countries.

"While the formal part of this meeting ends today, I hope that this visit will add some practical insight to the discussions you have had.

"I wish to reassure that Nigerian Government will continue to work with South African Government towards advancing the cooperation between the two countries for the benefit of our citizens," Onyeama said.

Onyeama said that Nigeria and South Africa "have enjoyed cordial relations over the years, underpinned by fraternity and a shared historical struggle".

He added that in spite of the challenges posed by the Coronavirus and the many resultant restrictions it imposed on both countries, Nigeria and South Africa had, through determined effort, actualised the target of hosting the bi-national commission "at this time".

"This is testimony to our common commitment to continually improve our relations and consolidate every gain made in this regard.

"It is therefore, with gratitude that I warmly welcome you. Your presence, notwithstanding the hindrances, testifies to the importance South Africa attaches to the opportunities for mutual benefit that the Bi-National Commission provides.

"As well as the opportunity to strengthen cooperation and synergy between our two countries in all areas of mutual interest," Onyeama said.

Dr Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, expressed appreciation over the continuous commitment to African solidarity shown by Nigeria towards South Africa.

Pandor said that the actions from Nigeria "is a reflection of its well known solidarity in difficult times of the anti-apartheid struggle.

"Today we also mark the celebration of the 22nd anniversary of our Bi-National Commission, a great milestone in the history of our diplomatic relations.

"Our visit is intended to affirm South Africa's commitment to strengthening and fostering greater collaboration and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral relations to address our common challenges for mutual benefit.

"Nigeria and South Africa are critical to Africa's development and progress and must use their attributes to advance Africa's cause," Pandor said.

"It is through our resolute commitment to our bilateral cooperation and the implementation of the developmental aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals that we can change the lives of our people," he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agreements to be ratified by both countries include Early Warning Mechanism, Agreement on Arts and Culture, Agreement on Youth Development, Agreement on Immigration, among others.

(NAN)

Barbados has officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and become the world's newest republic.

In an overnight ceremony in the capital, Bridgetown, Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as president.

The Prince of Wales and Barbadian singer Rihanna attended the event, which coincided with the country's 55th anniversary of independence.

In a speech, Prince Charles acknowledged the "appalling atrocity of slavery" the Caribbean island suffered.

The new era for Barbados ends Britain's centuries of influence, including more than 200 years when the island was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade.

To signify the official change of power, a final salute was made to the British monarchy and the Royal Standard flag was lowered and replaced.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the event, Prince Charles reiterated the continuing ties between the two nations despite the constitutional status change.

He described the moment as a new beginning before being awarded the prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados by the new president.

The Queen sent the country her "warmest good wishes" for "happiness, peace and prosperity in the future" and said the nation holds a "special place" in her heart.

Dame Sandra Mason, 72, the island's governor-general since 2018, was named as president-elect of the nation following a vote in parliament last month. She now replaces the Queen as the head of state.

"Vessel Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage. May she weather all storms and land our country and citizens safely on the horizons and shores which are ahead of us," she said after being sworn in.

Barbados announced its plan to become a republic last year, but it will remain within the Commonwealth.

Formerly known as the British Commonwealth, the Commonwealth of Nations is a loose association of former British colonies and current dependencies, along with some countries that have no historical ties to Britain.

Leading national figures, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley, swore allegiance to Barbados in front of the new president at the ceremony, which lasted for several hours.

She later announced that pop star Rihanna would be named a national hero by President Mason. The artist and businesswoman, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was previously named an ambassador by her home country in 2018.

"May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation," Ms Mottley said, in reference to one of Rihanna's songs.

A positive and pragmatic handover

In the heat of a Barbados night, the handover ceremony has combined pomp and ceremony with one big party.

It has been a show of national pride with a sprinkling of this island's most famous names as VIP guests including the cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers and the singer Rihanna.

In between them both sat the Prince of Wales. It must have been a moment of mixed emotions for him - he took the final salute and watched the Royal Standard lowered for the last time as his mother was removed as head of state.

He used his speech to emphasise the pain of slavery and the enduring friendship of the two nations.

The mood music from the royal household has been positive and pragmatic.

They can't stop a constitutional shift but they can try to ensure positive relationships remain.

The country's prime minister has described the move to a republic as a "seminal moment" which will see Barbados fully leave its colonial past behind.

It was one of England's first slave colonies. English settlers first occupied the island in 1627 and, under British control, it became a sugar plantation economy using enslaved people brought in from Africa.

Slavery was abolished in Barbados in 1834 and the country became fully independent in 1966.

In his speech on Tuesday, Prince Charles spoke of the "appalling atrocity of slavery" which he said "forever stains our history".

Before Barbados, the last nation to remove the Queen as head of state was Mauritius in 1992.

With a population of about 285,000 people, Barbados is one of the more populous and prosperous Caribbean islands.

Once heavily dependent on sugar exports, its economy has diversified but has been hit hard by Covid-19 hurting tourism and rising prices caused by supply chain disruptions.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, has announced a six-day traffic diversion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, starting from Monday, to speed up construction works.

Popoola, in a statement, said the diversion is to enable Julius Berger, contractor handling section one of the project, to lay asphalt between Arepo and Warewa, a distance of one and half kilometers.

He explained that there is the need to prepare the ground around Punch area hence the need for the traffic diversion to speed up construction works.

Popoola added that the traffic diversion would be on the Lagos bound carriageway.

He appealed for understanding of road users, saying that adequate arrangements have been made for traffic regulatory agencies to manage the construction zone to avert gridlock.

“The Federal Government is desirous of completing the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project by next year, so there is need to increase the tempo of activities on the road.

“Julius Berger will asphalt between Arepo and Warewa, therefore there is going to be diversion of traffic for six days.
“The public should please bear with the Federal Government,” he said.
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(Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has imposed a 14-day mandatory quarantine of all travelers entering the southern African nation including returning residents, in a bid to halt the spread of the omicron variant.

“All returning residents and visitors have to undergo PCR testing, and will be quarantined at own cost, for days recommended by WHO, even if they present negative PCR test results from elsewhere,” Mnangagwa said in televised address on the state broadcaster on Tuesday. 

Zimbabwe is yet to record a case of the omicron variant since its neighbor South Africa disclosed detection of the new variant on Nov. 25. 

The discovery of the new variant presents an “added risk, which compounds the burden we already face,” Mnangagwa said.

Zimbabwe is among several countries from the southern African region facing travel bans by Western countries including the U.S. and U.K.. International airlines including Qatar and Emirates have also halted flights to the country.

Additional curbs introduced include: 

• A revised curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Access to night clubs and bars will be restricted to vaccinated patrons
• All Covid-19 related funerals to be supervised by health ministry officials

An effort by Virgin Atlantic to raise £400m in rescue funding has been thrown into doubt by fears of new travel curbs, raising concerns among industry observers about its prospects over winter.

Sir Richard Branson’s airline has been in talks with existing shareholders and lenders over a cash lifeline in recent weeks, after extended restrictions on travel from the UK to the United States forced it to shelve plans for a public listing.

Now Virgin Atlantic’s finances face yet more strain as the omicron variant prompts the suspension of some long-haul routes and renewed testing and quarantine obligations for travellers.

The airline, which has already made deep cost cuts and borrowed heavily, is viewed as especially vulnerable to a resurgence of coronavirus compared with listed rivals such as International Airlines Group, the owner of British Airways.

Gerald Khoo, an analyst at Liberum, said omicron "certainly doesn’t make it any easier" for airlines to raise cash. Unlike Virgin Atlantic, “the major listed airlines have done what they need to do”, he added.

Paul Charles, a former Virgin Atlantic director and the founder of consultancy The PC Agency, said the restrictions could come as a heavy blow to many airlines.

“Airlines will want these measures to be very short-term. Cash is needed to keep travel firms strong during the winter period. The last thing they need is an extensive flight ban in place.”

Virgin Atlantic is working with bankers to secure funding. The airline survived 2020 by raising £1.5bn from a combination of new investors and existing backers, including Sir Richard.

A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic said: “We have proven we have what it takes to survive following the £1.5bn recapitalisation of the airline and along with our shareholders, we remain confident in our future”.

Fresh pain has since been heaped on the airline industry, as governments attempt to slow the spread of omicron. The UK, the US and the EU were among those to impose new travel restrictions last week and introduce tougher testing requirements.

In the UK, travellers from abroad are now required to take a PCR test on arrival and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. Nicola Sturgeon has called for a mandatory isolation period of eight days regardless.

Virgin Atlantic was critical of the restrictions on Monday, after flights were temporarily blocked to six southern African countries last Friday. Those countries are now being placed on the red list, meaning people will need to self-isolate in government-approved hotels for 10 days after they land.

Virgin Atlantic is one of only two carriers that flies directly from the UK to South Africa, the other being British Airways.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said the latest measures were "not a realistic long-term solution to combating variants of concern".

“Protecting public health must always come first and we support all efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. However, it’s vital that the skies remain open with minimal restrictions in place, in order to support economic recovery, keeping families connected and businesses running," he said.

“We urge the UK Government to take a measured and proportionate approach to the omicron variant strain, basing action on science and data, to avoid damaging consumer confidence.”

Some of the industry's leading figures also lashed out at what they deemed "knee jerk" border restrictions.

The former British Airways boss, Willie Walsh, said: "It’s clear that these measures have been completely ineffective in the past but impose huge hardship on people who are trying to connect with family and friends and clearly massive financial damage to the tourism and airline industry.”

It comes days after the United Nations World Tourism Agency published data showing airlines and hotel operators were only now starting to see an upturn after almost two years of curbs.

The UN agency said revenues from international tourism were on track to come in between $700m (£527m) and $800m for 2021, down from $1.7 trillion in 2019, although this marked a slight improvement from 2020.

However, it warned that the recovery was fragile and could take a hit from the emergence of new strains of the virus.