Nigerian govt extends closure of airspace, airports by four weeks

The Nigerian Government has extended closure of airspace and airports across the country by four weeks.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha disclosed this on Wednesday during the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

He said, “Tomorrow marks the last day for the enforcement of the closure of Nigeria’s airspace to flights.

“We have assessed the situation in the aviation industry and have come to the conclusion that given the facts available to us and based on the advice of experts, the ban on all flights will be extended for an additional four weeks.”

Mustapha, however, said the minister for aviation, Hadi Sirika, would provide further details on the directive.

The Nigerian Government had two weeks ago extended the closure of the nation’s airspace and airports by another 14 days as Coronavirus infections increase in the nation.

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika had said as a result of the extension of lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and Abuja by President Muhammadu Buhari, it was no longer possible for the nation to open its airspace and airports for normal operation by 23 April, 2020.

Sirika stated that they would remain closed for a further two weeks, which he said, was subject to review.

“COVID-19. As a result of the extension on lockdown by Mr President it is no longer possible for us to open our airspace and airports for normal operations by the 23rd April, 2020.

“They will remain closed for a further 2 weeks. This subject to review as appropriate, please,” he tweeted.