Apparently to avoid a spike in Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases after the gradual easing of lockdown across the country, the Federal Government on Wednesday announced the extension of the ban on flights in and out of Nigeria.
The Chairman of Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 Pandemic, Mr. Boss Mustapha announced this while speaking at the PTF daily press briefing in Abuja.
According to him, PTF had reviewed the ban on flights in and out of Nigeria and decided that it will be counterproductive to resume flight operation in Nigeria with the daily increase in the numbers of people testing positive to Covid-19 disease.
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Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika
Mustapha who is also the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) said that the extension of the ban on flights is very necessary to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The SGF also revealed that the PTF on Covid-19 recommended the shift in the date to resume flight operation in Nigeria although the aviation industry continues to lose over N17 billion on a monthly basis.
Also speaking at the briefing, Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika said that the aviation industry is a unique one, pointing out that even the pilots who fly the aircraft will have to be re-certified before taking to the skies once again.
Sen. Sirika said that a lot of things will have to be put in place before air travel will resume.
