Nigerian Government moves to overturn Western countries’ Red List over Omicron strain

*Steps being taken will be in the best interest of all parties as Nigeria is expecting a positive response within a week, says Boss Mustapha,  Chairman of PSC on COVID-19

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Nigeria has initiated diplomatic steps to reverse the country’s inclusion into a Red List by some countries, including the United Kingdom (UK).

ConsumerConnect reports Hadi Sirika, Honourable Minister for Aviation, who represented Mr. Boss Mustapha,  Chairman of PSC on COVID-19, at an emergency briefing by the committee Monday, December 13, 2021, said that the move would be in the best interest of all parties, noting that the country is expecting a positive response within a week.

Air travellers at Heathrow Airport in the UK   Photo: FT

Sirika noted that the PSC has also evaluated the developments on the relationship between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stating that the Federal Government’s position is in line with established ICAO Protocols and the spirit of the BASA signed with the UAE.

Sirika, nonetheless, said that Nigeria was yet to receive a letter circulating on social media and indicating a revised travel restriction update purportedly from the UAE.

The Minister, however, maintained that Nigeria’s sovereignty remains paramount and that mutual respect will be upheld as a guiding principle in the best interest of the country.

He, therefore, promised that the PSC would reveal the next line of action by Monday, December 20.