The FG said they would, however, be subjected to rapid antigen test at the airport by the NCDC within the arrival hall of the airport free of charge.

The decision was coming after the complaints by many travellers over the cost placed on the PCR test.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chairman, Boss Mustapha disclosed this at the National briefing of the Committee in Abuja.

He added that passengers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are mandated to take a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure or do a Day 2 and day 7 test on arrival, noting that such passengers must pay for the tests.

Mustapha, who is  also the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, noted that this directive would take effect from April 4.

He said, “The PSC has reviewed these situations around the world and applies such to the situation in Nigeria and have revised the International Travel Protocols, which should come into effect on Monday, 4th April, 2022 as follows:

“Inbound (fully vaccinated) passengers arriving in Nigeria will no longer be required to take a pre-departure PCR COVID-19 Test;

“On arrival, for fully vaccinated passengers, a sample will be taken at the airport for rapid antigen test by the NCDC within the arrival hall of the airport;

“Passengers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated shall take a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure, or do a Day 2 and day 7 test on arrival. Such passengers will be expected to pay for their PCR tests through the travel platform;

“Fully vaccinated passengers will not be charged for arrival rapid antigen tests at the airport;

“Rules that apply to fully vaccinated adults also apply to children aged 10 – 18 years; they will not be required to have pre-arrival PCR tests but will have a sample taken at the arrival hall but not charged”

Mustapha urged all passengers travelling out of Nigeria to be fully vaccinated and to comply with COVID-19 protocols and requirements in their country of destination.

The spokesperson for the Command, DSP Joseph Alabi, issued this warning in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.

“Anyone who is not traveling should not come to the airport as it will not be business as usual.

“The command has put machinery in place to deal with anyone caught or cannot explain his mission within the airport environment,” he said.

Alabi, while warning touts and touting within the airport space to stay away, noted that personnel who are not on uniform have been given the right to arrest and deal with anyone caught touting within the airport vicinity.

According to him,  travelers are expected to adhere strictly to all rules in relation to distance spacing, using face masks and hand sanitizers provided at the arrival and departure halls of the airports, adding that all intending travelers are make sure they are within the airport on time, to undergo all travel processes that need to be done on time before the departure of their flights.

“Hence, all are hereby advised to follow strictly all the guidelines stipulated by the NCDC and the airport authority in the country,” he said.

InsideOjodu recalls that the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on July 1 announced that domestic flights would resume on July 8.

Sirika said operations would resume at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on July 8 with other airports to follow subsequently.