FG clarifies restriction on international flights, NMA seeks limit to inter-state movements

Following restriction of international flights into the country, the Federal Government has said it will only allow landing to aircraft in emergencies relating to humanitarian, medical and relief services.

Others to get considerations are alternate aerodromes identified in the flight plan, including those used for extended diversion time operations and technical stops, where passengers do not disembark, cargo flights and other safety-related operations.

A statement issued by Director Public Affairs, James Odaudu, disclosed that with the exception of aircraft in a state of emergency, request for approval for other flights would be directed to the Minister of Aviation for approval.

“Flights considered essential for which permissions for landing may be sought and granted include aircraft in a state of emergency, overflights and operations related to humanitarian, medical and relief services.

“Others are, alternate aerodromes identified in the flight plan (including those used for extended diversion time operations, technical stops where passengers do not disembark, cargo flights and other safety-related operations,” the statement reads.

It added that the protocol for the operation and handling of such flights will be provided with each approval, while flight crew shall not have physical contact with designated government officials and ground workers.

Against further spread of Coronavirus, the Federal Government also directed all airline operators to ensure that all persons, without exception, entering any airport terminal or boarding aircraft must to undergo temperature checks and hand cleaning with sanitisers.

Besides, the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has canvassed restriction on inter-state movement of persons as a way of curtailing the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

It said Nigerians should abide by guidelines stipulated for the control of the disease, stressing that its spread was bound to get worse unless it was reversed.

NMA stated that Nigeria would be overwhelmed if clear-cut actions were not taken, stressing that there was no capacity to contain the pandemic.

Also, Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr. Ike Okwesili, said in a statement in Enugu that the country was gradually moving from a state of denial to acceptance of the reality of the scourge.

“The reason is that this Covid-19 is highly contagious and the spread may be exponential. It is not a government matter alone, but that of collective resolve, and therefore, a sense of oneness and patriotism is required,” he said.