Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika says the planned resumption of international flights in Nigeria has been shifted to September 5 from the previous date set at August 29.
Sirika stated this on Thursday at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, adding that this is to allow for appropriate preparation in line with the COVID-19 protocols.
Represented by Musa Nuhu, the director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Sirika explained that the forms for COVID-19 test and all other preparations to forestall the spread of the virus had to be fully put in place.
Sirika said the government was pushing ahead with the implementation of the principle of reciprocity against nationals of some countries that were imposing stringent travel conditions on Nigerian citizens on the bases of COVID-19 cases in the country.
The principle means all countries that have banned flights from Nigeria will also have flights from their countries banned from entry into Nigeria.
Some of the countries which have already banned flights from Nigeria are in the European Union (EU).
The ministry of aviation had stated that about 1280 passengers would be allowed in on a daily basis in Abuja and Lagos airports, which are scheduled to begin the flights.
