The Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, yesterday issued a circular, sighted by PM News, to airline operators that pre-arrival or post-arrival testing for COVID-19 is no longer a requirement for international travellers.
“COVID-19 Travel Testing: Pre-departure and Post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests are no longer required for all passengers irrespective of vaccination status. PCR tests required for all passengers who have been partial/not fully vaccinated have been suspended,” says Capt. Musa Nuhu, the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who wrote the letter.
Not only have the COVID-19 tests been removed, the FG also said, “The wearing of face masks inside airport terminal buildings and on board aircraft by airport workers, passengers, and crew members is no longer mandatory. Wearing face masks by passengers on board aircraft or inside airport terminal buildings is discretionary but recommended.”
Still addressing the need for face masks, the Captian said that people over the age of 60, those who are immunocompromised (for example, due to organ transplant, cancer, etc.), and those have multiple chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, etc.) should wear face masks, wash their hands frequently with soap and water, use hand sanitizers containing alcohol, and stay away from large gatherings.
He mentioned that bags will no longer be disinfected at the entrance of terminal buildings is no longer required.
According to him, airlines can now resume “serving catering (meals and drinks) on board aircraft,” noting that social distancing at airport terminal buildings is no longer a necessity.
Henceforth, facilities and conveyances are to maintain good environmental hygiene and ventilation, “as well as encourage good hand and respiratory hygiene,” he advised.
“The use of alcohol-based sanitiser by passengers and airport workers is recommended. Boarding and disembarkation protocols are to be maintained.”
“All other COVID-19 quarantine/travel requirements are hereby made optional. This AOL supersedes previous AOLs issued on COVID-19 for domestic and international operations.”
Furthermore, the declaration form required by visitors to Nigeria to fill out about their health has been replaced by this health questionnaire (non-COVID-19 specific). Permission to travel/QR code is also not required.
“Passengers who fail to fill the health questionnaire on the NITP pre-departure will be required to fill the health questionnaire either on board the aircraft prior to landing or at the airport terminal building upon arrival.”
According to Captain Nuhu, the guideline “shall be effective immediately”, warning that failure by any aviation service provider to comply shall attract “appropriate sanction”.
Following this, is the decision of the federal authorities to stop post-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers for a period of time.
