The federal government has stated that it is working around the clock to ensure that the UK lifts its continued travel ban on Nigerian travelers in the wake of the Omicron variant.

“The PSC is working with mandate ministries to address the issues surrounding the restriction imposed by some countries on travelers from Nigeria on account of the omicron variant,” said Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman Presidential Steering Committee on CoVID-19, on Monday.

The government announced that it has begun diplomatic efforts to persuade the United Kingdom and other countries to lift travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians due to the omicron variant.

While each country was entitled to put in place measures to protect its citizens, it was stressed that Nigeria should not be singled out.

According to Mustapha, the administration is looking into diplomatic options to resolve the difficulties around the travel ban based on existing partnerships.

He said, “While each country is entitled to put in place measures to protect its citizens, Nigeria has similar responsibilities.

“However, based on existing relationships, Nigeria has initiated diplomatic steps to make these countries reverse their course.

“This is ongoing in the interest of all parties concerned and we expect that positive results would emerge within the next one week.

“The PSC also evaluated the developments on the relationship between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and we are pleased to inform you that the position of the Federal Government is in line with established International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Protocols and the spirit of the BASA signed with the UAE.

“Our sovereignty remains paramount and mutual respects shall be our guiding principle in as much as it should be in the best interest of Nigeria.

“The PSC will at its next regular briefing on Monday, December 20, 2021 brief you fully on developments.”

With the introduction of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, which is currently spreading rapidly around the world, the SGF stated that Nigeria has continued to monitor developments and has used science and statistics to assess the hazards to our citizens, particularly the threats of importation.

PSC has increased its surveillance and control efforts across the country, he told Nigerians.

According to him, the committee has similarly increased vaccination of eligible citizens and residents while also providing booster doses for individuals who have already been vaccinated.