The Federal Government has strongly stated that the country will apply the “principle of reciprocity” as soon as the ban on international flight is lifted.
It implies that Nigeria will only open its airspace for flights coming from nations that also allow Nigerian flights despite the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
The DAILY VENDOR recalls that the Nigerian government announced the reopening of Nigeria’s air boarders for international movements on August 29.
Speaking on Thursday, August 20, the Aviation Minister subsequently said Nigeria will only permit international flights from countries that extend the same gesture.
Sirika, represented by the Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, during the COVID-19 presidential task force, said the decision was reached in the interest of Nigerians.
Earlier, the European Union Council had opened its borders to 15 countries, excluding Nigeria, meaning Nigeria was still not part of the countries from where visitors were allowed into Europe.
Sirika maintained that countries that ban Nigeria due to the coronavirus health concerns will also receive same treatment.
“The principle of reciprocity will be applied. If you ban us from coming to your country, the same will apply the other way,” Sirika said.
“On the list of countries (that are banned), we are working on the comprehensive list, but the main one that came up is when the EU opened their borders effective 1st July, Nigeria was among the list of 54 countries that were not allowed to enter the EU,” the minister added.
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