The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued new guidelines for airlines and passengers coming into Nigeria from the United Kingdom and South Africa.
In the letter dated December 26, 2020 and signed by the director general of NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, which was sent to local and international airline operators, the agency stated that flights and passengers originating from the United Kingdom and South Africa, with final destination to Nigeria, must present pre-departure permit TO FLY/QR code generated from the Nigeria International Travel Portal.
The NCAA’s decision is part of efforts to curb the spread of the new strain of COVID-19 recorded in the two countries.
The permit, according to Nuhu, must show evidence of the payment for the post-arrival day 7 COVID-19 PCR test and documentary evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR result done within 96 hours (four days) of boarding from a verifiable laboratory or health facility.
According to the circular, passengers who do not comply with the new protocols may be deported.
Nuhu said all airlines operating between Nigeria and the two countries must ensure that passengers comply with the new directives.
“On arrival in Nigeria, passengers will be received and processed separately by Public Health authorities,” the circular reads.
“All passengers will be required to self-isolate for 7 days after arrival followed by a Covid-19 PCR test.
“Passengers with a post-arrival negative Covid-19 PCR result can exit isolation at day 8. Those with a positive Covid-19 PCR result will be referred for isolation and further management.
“A dedicated register of arriving passengers from the United Kingdom and South Africa will be opened for enhanced surveillance and active enforcement of the protocol.”
Nuhu warned that there would be sanctions against airlines that failed to comply.
“Airlines shall be fined $3,500 for each defaulting passengers. Airlines may be required to return non-Nigerian defaulting passengers to the point of embarkation; repeated non-compliance by any airline will lead to suspension of airline’s approval/permit to fly into the country,” the letter said.
Some countries including Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands have banned flights from the UK over concerns on the new strain of COVID-19.
