By John Ikani
The Federal Government of Nigeria has relaxed travel protocols for air passengers and other stakeholders, following the reduction in COVID-19 cases in the country.
The development was contained in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) review of COVID-19 health guidelines for the aviation industry in the country made available to newsmen.
NCAA, in the memo which was dated 12 December, and referenced: NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/358, said the new review was sanctioned by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), which is headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
The memo was signed by Musa Nuhu, NCAA’s Director-General.
What the Nigerian Govt is saying
The memo read in part: “Wearing of facemasks by passengers onboard aircraft or inside airport terminal buildings is discretionary but recommended.”
It, 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.”
The NCAA also said disinfection of bags at the entrance of terminal buildings is no longer required.
Airlines are also directed to resume serving catering (meals and drinks) on board aircraft.
“Maintaining social distancing at airport terminal buildings is no longer mandatory.
“Facilities and conveyances are advised to maintain good environmental hygiene, good ventilation, encourage good hand and respiratory hygiene.”
PCR tests
NCAA said the PSC’s verdict on pre-departure and post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests is that all passengers irrespective of their vaccination status are no longer required to show such test results.
“PCR tests required for all passengers who are partially/not fully vaccinated have been suspended.”
Health declaration form
Equally significant was that health declaration forms and permission to travel/QR code are no longer required.
The memo however stated that a simplified health questionnaire form (non-COVID-19 specific) shall be completed by all passengers travelling to Nigeria preferably pre-departure on the Nigerian International Travel Portal (NITP).
It explained that passengers who fail to fill the health questionnaire on the NITP pre-departure would be required to fill it either onboard the aircraft prior to landing or at the airport terminal building upon arrival.
