Nigeria Cancels COVID-19 Test For Travellers
December 13, 2022
Federal Government of Nigeria, on Monday, announced that pre-arrival or post-arrival testing for COVID-19 will no longer be a prerequisite for travellers, irrespective of vaccination status.
Reports have that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) made the announcement in a letter dated December 12, 2022, and addressed to airline operators.
The letter signed by Musa Nuhu, NCAA’s Director-General, read, “COVID-19 Travel Testing: Pre-departure and post-arrival COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction tests are no longer required for all passengers irrespective of vaccination status. The PCR tests required for all passengers who are partially/not fully vaccinated have been suspended.”
It further noted that aside from the suspension of the COVID tests, wearing face masks was no longer mandatory for passengers on board aircraft.
“Wearing of a facemask by passengers onboard aircraft or inside airport terminal buildings is discretionary but recommended.”
The statement, however, said persons aged 60 years and above, those who are immunocompromised and those with co-morbidities are advised to continue the use of facemasks, and should “wash their hands with water and soap, use hand alcohol-based sanitisers, and avoid large gatherings.”
It has been earlier reported that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the complete lifting of COVID-19 restrictions as proposed by the Presidential Steering Committee led by Boss Mustapha.