Travel News
Nigeria to bar those who flout COVID-19 test rules from flying - REUTERS
ABUJA, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Nigeria will bar passengers who fail to follow the country’s COVID-19 protocol from flying for six months, an official said on Monday.
Passengers returning to Nigeria are currently required to test for COVID-19 both before they board return flights and seven days after they arrive. They also must pay for the tests in advance.
Dr Sani Aliyu, coordinator of Nigeria’s COVID-19 task force, said 60% of those who pre-paid for tests had failed to show up for them.
“These passengers will not be allowed to travel for a period of six months,†Aliyu said. “We hope that we do not need to do this and people will comply with our protocol.â€
Task force chair Boss Mustapha said passengers had spent more than 220 million naira ($580,000) on tests that they did not take. Tests at accredited private labs cost roughly 50,000 naira ($130).
As of Monday, Nigeria had 66,383 confirmed cases of the virus and 1,167 deaths. (Reporting By Libby George and Felix Onuah; Editing by Giles Elgood)