Following the gradual easing of the global travel restrictions that was occasioned by the ravaging coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika has said Nigeria will enforce the principle of reciprocity in granting permission to airlines to resume operations in the country.
Sirika made the disclosure on Thursday. He had in earlier communication to the nation hinted that Nigeria’s airspace will be opened to international flight operations from August 29, 2020. Already, Nigeria weeks back commenced domestic flight operations across the country. 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.
The minister disclosed this at Thursday’s media briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja. He said, 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.
He also stated that for now, 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. The protocols, according to him, would be made public in due course. He expressed his appreciation to the airlines, aviation workers, travelers 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.
