Nigeria Adds South Africa to Travel Restriction List, Says Delta Variant Not in Country

Nigeria has added passengers from South Africa to the list of countries restricted for travellers due to the surge in the country’s COVID-19 cases.

The Nigerian government insisted that the Delta variant has not been found in the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha stated this on Monday at a media briefing of the presidential steering committee (PSC) in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, stating that South Africa recorded over 100,000 cases in the last one week while 20,000 was recorded in the last 24 hours.

He said: “The four major variants of concern are now classified as Alpha (UK), Beta (SA), Gamma (Brazil) and Delta (India).

“The Delta variant which has wreaked devastating havoc is not yet found in Nigeria hence the need to tighten our borders and be more vigilant. The WHO Country Representative and the DG NCDC will elaborate on this and the measures for mitigating a potential third wave.”

Mr Mustapha nited that the federal government has extended restrictions to travellers from Brazil, Turkey, and India for another four weeks.

“A few weeks ago, we announced additional measures to be met by passengers arriving from Brazil, Turkey and India. This action was due to the prevalence of variants of concern and the dangers associated with the importation of such virulent strain,” he added.

“The PSC has been reviewing these restrictions and is of the opinion that they should remain for another four weeks before it is further reviewed. South Africa has, however, been added to this category once more.”

By Abel Ejikeme

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