COVID-19: Nigeria relaxes some travel protocols

Inbound travelers to Nigeria are no longer required to pay for a repeat COVID-19 test before boarding their flights into the country, following a recent directive issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. The move aims to address challenges some travelers were facing while trying to provide their health and travel history on the Nigeria International Travel Portal. Tayo Ojuri, the Managing Partner at Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited, shed light on how these health protocols are impacting international travel to and from Nigeria during a recent CNBC Africa interview. Before the recent change, the Presidential Task Force had mandated all airlines to ensure that passengers had obtained travel permits and QR codes by the time of boarding. Failure to comply resulted in a $3,500 charge for the airlines. However, many passengers encountered difficulties in making the payments online, leading to missed flights. Ojuri commended the government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Presidential Task Force for their responsiveness in addressing these challenges promptly. The adjustment now allows passengers to make the required payments at the point of arrival if they encounter any obstacles when trying to pay online. Despite the modification in the payment process, travelers are still required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel. This test result is uploaded onto the system to facilitate a seamless entry process into Nigeria. Ojuri emphasized that the primary objective is to ensure that incoming travelers do not pose a risk of spreading the virus in the country. By maintaining the testing requirements and addressing operational challenges efficiently, Nigeria aims to strike a balance between facilitating travel and safeguarding public health. The aviation sector in Nigeria, like elsewhere globally, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While domestic travel has shown signs of recovery driven by business needs and security concerns on road transport, international travel remains subdued. The restrictions on inbound travelers from key countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey have hampered foreign direct investment flows into Nigeria. The fluctuating foreign exchange rates have further exacerbated the challenges faced by airlines and travelers, where 80% of operational costs are significantly influenced by currency fluctuations. In response to the evolving landscape of air travel, the Nigerian aviation industry has witnessed the emergence of new airline models utilizing smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft for domestic routes. These airlines are focusing on high-demand routes between major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. By leveraging smaller aircraft such as Embraer 145 and CRJs, these carriers aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize yields. Despite the promising prospects, the sustainability of these new airline models remains to be tested over time, as they navigate the inherent challenges in the aviation sector. Looking ahead, the key to success for domestic airlines lies in addressing structural deficiencies, embracing strong corporate governance practices, prioritizing customer-centric strategies, and forging strategic partnerships. By learning from past industry pitfalls and fostering a culture of adaptability, these airlines can position themselves as key players in Nigeria's aviation landscape and the wider sub-Saharan region. As the sector continues to evolve amidst the ongoing pandemic, stakeholders are hopeful that a blend of resilience, innovation, and strategic collaboration will pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in Nigeria's aviation industry.