The Nigerian government has shut Lagos and Abuja airports effective Monday, 23 March as the number of coronavirus cases in both soared to 22 on Saturday.
A statement signed by Capt. Musa Nuhu, DG/CEO of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said local flights will still continue across the country.
“Further to our earlier letter on restriction of international flights into Nigeria, we wish to inform you that effective Monday 23rd March at 2300Z to 23rd April at 2300Z, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos (DNIMM) and Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja (DNAA) will be closed to all international flights”.
Capt Nuhu noted that emergency and essential flights are exempted from this restriction.
“This is in addition to the closure of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (DNKN), Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu (DNEN) and Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa (DNPO) effective 21 March at 2300Z”.
“Henceforth, all airports in Nigeria are closed to all incoming international flights with exception of emergency and essential flights.
“Domestic flights will continue normal operations at all airports,” he said.
“All airlines are required to submit passenger manifest to Port Health Authorities prior to arrival of flights into Nigeria”.