THE Federal Government of Nigeria says it has initiated diplomatic talks with the United Kingdom (UK), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other nations with a view to reversing the travel ban imposed on the country.
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, stated this yesterday at the National Briefing of the Covid-19 Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the committee, Boss Mustapha.
He said, “With the emergence of the new COVID-19 Omicron Variant, now spreading very fast globally, Nigeria has continued to study developments and has deployed science and data to measure the risks to our citizens especially, the dangers of importation.
“The PSC wishes to assure Nigerians that it has escalated all surveillance and control measures around our country.
“It has similarly ramped up vaccination of eligible citizens and residents while making provisions for booster shots for those fully vaccinated.
“The PSC is working with mandate Ministries to address the issues surrounding the restriction imposed by some countries on travelers from Nigeria on account of the omicron variant.
“While each country is entitled to put in place measures to protect its citizens. Nigeria has similar responsibilities.
“However, based on existing relationships, Nigeria has initiated diplomatic steps to make these countries reverse their course. This is on-going in the interest of all parties concerned and we expect that positive results would emerge within the next one week.
“The PSC also evaluated the developments on the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE and we are pleased to inform you that the position of the Federal Government is in line with established ICAO Protocols and the spirit of the BASA signed with the UAE.
“Our sovereignty remains paramount and mutual respects shall be our guiding principle in as much as it should be in the best interest of Nigeria.
“The PSC will at its next regular briefing on Monday, 20th December, 2021 brief you fully on developments.”
