Nigeria: Coronavirus disease-related restrictions remain largely unchanged nationwide as of Jan. 25 /update 30

COVID-19-related international travel and domestic restrictions remain mostly unchanged in Nigeria as of Jan. 25.

Event

As of Jan. 25, measures and restrictions introduced to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have remained largely unchanged in Nigeria as compared with those in force Jan. 11. Under current directives, all inbound international passengers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 96 hours prior to boarding at the first point of departure. All passengers must also register online at the Nigeria International Travel Portal, following all instructions and meeting all requirements specified on that site; these include filling out a health questionnaire, providing in-country contact information, uploading COVID-19 test results, and paying processing fees, among other things.

At the airport gate, any passenger exhibiting a body temperature higher than 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) will be refused entry. All travelers arriving in Nigeria must self-isolate at their reported in-country accommodations or residence for at least seven days and take a second PCR test on day seven of their stay. Persons testing negative will be released from their quarantine; those who test positive will be processed according to Nigeria's national guidelines for COVID-19 treatment.

Aside from the entry regulations, international commercial flights are operating, albeit only through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja. Carriers from countries that restrict or ban entry by Nigerian nationals may face reciprocal prohibitions with regard to operating in Nigeria. Four land border crossings at Seme, Illela, Maigatari, and Mfun have reopened, but it remains unclear if passenger travel is allowed through these points or when other border crossings may reopen.

With regard to domestic measures, bars, nightclubs, event centers, and recreation venues are closed. All restaurants are also closed, except for carryout and delivery services. A nationwide 0001-0400 curfew remains in place. Outdoor sporting activities are allowed; public gatherings remain restricted. Gatherings in enclosed spaces are limited to 50 people, provided they observe adequate social distancing measures and wear facemasks. Civil servants have returned to working on-site at public offices; however, some states have reintroduced work-from-home policies. Domestic flights and interstate travel have resumed throughout the country. Some academic activities have also restarted. Public transport systems are required to limit their capacity to 50 percent. Several states have also enacted strict state-level restrictions.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Reconfirm travel plans. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying traveling to Nigeria until officials lift restrictions. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Reconfirm all flights before departure.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.