The opposition party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the federal government over the travel ban and visa restrictions placed on travellers from high-risk countries.
“I commend the FG for heeding to our calls by putting in place a policy of restriction on travellers from countries with high Coronavirus cases. I call on Nigerians to adhere strictly to @WHO and @NCDCgov protocols on personal hygiene and social distancing,” Mr Atiku posted on his social media page on Wednesday.
POLITICS NIGERIA reported how the federal government placed visa restrictions on visitors from China, Italy and other countries with over one thousand cases of Coronavirus.
“The federal government of Nigeria is restricting entry into the country for travellers from the following countries; China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, Germany, Norway, US, UK, Netherlands and Switzerland,” the Secretary-General of the federation, Boss Mustapha, announced on Wednesday.
He added that all persons arriving in Nigeria, who might have visited this country 15 days prior the ban, will be subjected to isolation and testing for 14 days.
Boss Mustapha also made it known that issuance of Visa on arrival has been suspended. The latest development will take effect from March 21 and last for four weeks.
This paper reported how the Nigerian government promised to tighten its surveillance services rather than ban visitors from China, Italy, U.S and other countries with a high percentage of confirmed cases.
Coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19 has dealt a blow on the world economy and international engagements. Although Nigeria recorded the first COVID-19 case on February 24, seven cases have been confirmed afterwards.
